amfAR Raises $3.8M for HIV Research at Fourth Annual Gala in Palm Beach

Martha Stewart and Andrea and Steve Wynn Honored

Ricky Martin Performed

PHOTO LINK HERE: Press Release Photos

Palm Beach, FL, March 16, 2025 — amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, held its fourth annual Palm Beach fundraising gala on Saturday, March 15, 2025, thanks to the generosity of philanthropist and supporter Ken Griffin. The event raised $3.8 million in support of amfAR’s lifesaving biomedical research programs and included presentations to honorees Andrea and Steve Wynn and Martha Stewart, as well as a performance by multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, Ricky Martin.

Supermodel Coco Rocha, the evening’s host and a longtime amfAR supporter, kicked off the night by noting that 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of amfAR’s founding by Dr. Mathilde Krim and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. She highlighted the incredible progress made over the past four decades, including groundbreaking research and the development of medications that have enabled people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. Rocha also emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts to ensure these treatments reach the 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.

After a powerful performance by vocalist Pia Toscano, amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy took the stage to share exciting news about two new potential HIV cures announced earlier in the week, bringing the total to ten people cured. They stressed that more work still needed to be done to find a practical, more accessible cure: “While this is a remarkable success story, each of these cases resulted from high-risk stem cell transplants, as the patients were also battling forms of blood cancer alongside HIV,” said Greenawalt.

Bret Baier presented amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award to Andrea and Steve Wynn, highlighting their support for medical research and healthcare. Accepting the award, Steve Wynn recounted a conversation he had with George Hitchings and Gertrude Elion, who in 1988 received the Nobel Prize for their research that led to the development of AZT, the first effective treatment for AIDS. Wynn recalled Elion saying to him, “the Nobel Prize is great, but what filled our lives and gave us real satisfaction as scientists was finding AZT.” Applauding the attendees’ commitment to amfAR’s mission of finding a cure for HIV, Wynn concluded saying: “I know you people … because this is a room full of George Hitchings and Gertrude Elions. Good job.”

Longtime amfAR supporters Dee and Tommy Hilfiger presented Martha Stewart with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration. Dee shared how both she and Tommy were “especially honored to recognize her incredible contributions — not only to culture and style, but also her passionate advocacy for numerous organizations, including amfAR and its efforts to advance AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment, and education.”

In Stewart’s heartfelt acceptance speech, she reflected on the early days of her successful catering business in New York, as well as the losses she experienced due to HIV/AIDS. Addressing the current state of the world, she emphasized the significance of PrEP for HIV prevention and urged the safeguarding of PEPFAR, noting that countries supported by PEPFAR have cut HIV infection rates in half. In closing, Stewart said, “We can be inspired by what amfAR has accomplished, and we can stand by them—and fund them—in all that they are poised to accomplish in the near future.”

The evening also included a live auction of exquisite artworks by Christopher Makos, Hilary Pecis, and Andrew Brischler, a Martha Stewart experience, diamond earrings from Graff, and an iconic dress and jacket from celebrated designer Bob Mackie, modeled by Coco Rocha.

The night came to a spectacular close as the iconic Ricky Martin took the stage, getting guests on their feet with a thrilling performance of his hits “Pégate,” “She Bangs,” “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” and “Cup of Life.”

The evening’s event chairs included: Ken Griffin, Lisa and James Cohen, T. Ryan Greenawalt and Joey Licitra, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Michele and Howard Kessler, Dr. Dana and Robert Kraft, Caroline and Omeed Malik, Kevin McClatchy and Jack Basilone, and Amy and John Phelan.

Since its launch in 2022, the Palm Beach gala has rapidly become a key source of funding in support of amfAR’s mission, raising nearly $16 million in just four years. The support from the Palm Beach community has been exceptional, united by the common goal of curing HIV while addressing other infectious disease threats. The past three events have been graciously hosted by Amy and John Phelan, Michele and Howard Kessler, and Lisa and James Cohen at their respective residences, with the leadership of amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy.

Signature sponsors were The Colony Hotel, Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, and Graff. This event was generously supported by DeBlasio Family Foundation, Exclusive Auction Partner: Christie’s, and Aspen Vodka, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Flecha Azul Tequila, Fraser & Thompson Whiskey, and RUMOR Rosé.

Renowned event designer Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck & Van Wyck spearheaded the creative vision for the evening, bringing style and artistry to every detail.

About amfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $900 million in support of its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.

Media Contact:
Bennah Serfaty, amfAR Senior Director, Communications, bennah.serfaty@amfar.org