Those near and far flocked to James and Lisa Cohen’s Palm Beach estate in support of the third annual Palm Beach amfAR fundraising gala on Saturday, March 2. 37 years ago amfAR was formed by actress Elizabeth Taylor, Dr. Michael Gottleib, Dr. Mathilde Krim, physician Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, and activist Michael Callen. As of 2024 amfAR has invested more than $635 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.
Event chairs James and Lisa Cohen were kind enough to open the grounds of their home for the prestigious event. The event was Co-Chaired by Kevin McClatchy former owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates and T. Ryan Greenawalt long-time board member, finance and film mogul, and executive committee member of the board of the Sag Harbor Cinematic Arts Center. Julianna Margulies, TV star of ER expressed her hope that the HIV-focused storylines would help bring awareness to the disease.
The evening’s event chairs included: Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, John and Amy Phelan, Howard and Michele Kessler, Barry Gibb, and amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy. Others that graced the carpet included Leonard Lauder, Aerin Lauder, Rachel Zoe, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, Shaggy, Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble, Keith Lieberthal, Peter Thomas Roth, Jill Zarin, Sutton Stracke and Suebelle Robbins.
amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost spoke about Warwick’s activism and impact on the AIDS epidemic. Amber Riley performed a tribute to Dionne Warwick with one of Warwick’s classics “Don’t Make Me Over,” and one of Riley’s originals, “A Moment.” Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John collaborated on the iconic “That’s What Friends Are For,” Elizabeth Taylor asked Warwick would “give” the song and its royalties to amfAR which became the AIDS anthem, which won multiple Grammys and raised tens of millions for amfAR to date.
Filmmaker and fashion designer Tom Ford had the honor of presenting Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger with amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award. In the 80s and 90s, Ocleppo noted her deep connection to the AIDS epidemic as she witnessed it firsthand
“we can maintain our humanity toward each other today” Dee concluded by expressing gratitude to her husband, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, and amfAR co-founder Elizabeth Taylor.
Seventeen-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting took the stage with “Roxanne,” “Englishman in New York” which featured surprise guest Shaggy, “Every Breath You Take,” “Fields of Gold,” and “Fragile.”
Interview with Kevin Rober Frost, CEO of Amfar, and Marsin Mogielski of Marsin Digital collaborating with The Seasun
Marsin Mogielski (Interviewer)
Are you excited about having this big event here?
Kevin Robert Frost, CEO Amfar
“ It’s extraordinary because Palm Beach is a relatively new community for us to be working with. It’s been extraordinary because this is our 3rd event here, and the community has been so welcoming, and warm. They have turned out in such great numbers to support us here. We’ve been a bit overwhelmed, frankly. It’s gonna be such a great time.”
Marsin Mogielski (Interviewer)
“Who are you most excited about seeing?”
Kevin Robert Frost, CEO Amfar
“Well, I’ve known Dionne a long time as you can imagine because she recorded that song, “That’s What Friends Are For” And when she did, she got everybody involved in delivering their rights and royalties. I love Dionne, and I’m going be introduce her tonight and give her the MR award. So Oh, that’s it!”
Marsin Mogielski (Interviewer)
“And also what sparked your interest in joining Ampar as a CEO?”
Kevin Robert Frost, CEO Amfar
“Well, I’ve been with AMVAR for more than 30 years, so I’ve been there a long time. And I joined at the height of the AIDS epidemic in New York, and I’m a gay man living in New York. I didn’t feel like I could be an innocent bystander. But when I joined the organization, I didn’t join as CEO. I was an administrative assistant. So I spent 30 years at the organization working my way up. I’ve been the CEO for about 17 years”
Marsin Mogielski (Interviewer)
“You are amazing! Wow. Congratulations, and thank you for the work that you have done!”
This event was generously supported by Givenchy, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Piper Heidsieck, Bacardi / Grey Goose / Bombay Sapphire, Flecha Azul, Uovo, Fresh Victor and RUMOR Rosé.
A live auction included exquisite pieces by Federico de Francesco, Jonas Wood, and Michael Kagan, alongside a glamorous Givenchy Paris Fashion Week experience and stunning diamond earrings from Macklowe Gallery.
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 invested more than $635 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.
Interview by Marsin Mogielski of Marsin Digial
Images by: Getty Images, Colby Tallia, Ryan Emberley, Capehart Photography
