amfAR Raises $3.4M at Fifth Annual Gala in Palm Beach
amfAR Raises $3.4M at Fifth Annual Gala in Palm Beach
John Legend and Gloria Gaynor Performed
Christie Brinkley Hosted
PHOTO LINK HERE: Press Release Photos
Palm Beach, FL, March 30, 2026 — amfAR held its fifth annual Palm Beach fundraising gala on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the home of Anne and Chris Flowers. The event, a benefit for amfAR’s lifesaving biomedical research programs, was hosted by Christie Brinkley and featured presentations to honorees Amy and Bret Baier as well as special performances by John Legend and Gloria Gaynor.
GRAMMY Award-winning icon Gloria Gaynor opened the night and had guests on their feet with a dynamic performance of her hits “Goin’ Out of My Head,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “I Will Survive.”
Actress, model, entrepreneur, and best-selling author Christie Brinkley then welcomed guests, commenting on the importance of amfAR’s mission and encouraging the crowd “spend without regret.”
amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford took the stage to thank guests for their support and share why the nonprofit’s work touches everyone’s life: “When I was diagnosed [with HIV], I was fortunate to walk out of that doctor’s office with treatment options. But I also walked out with something just as important, something I would argue is of equal or greater value: hope. Hope that researchers, somewhere, were working to find a cure. That is what amfAR provides.”
amfAR Board of Trustees Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy addressed the room of amfAR supporters, thanking Palm Beach for its five years of generous giving: “While the focus of amfAR’s work is global in scope, our impact is truly local—on people, families, communities, like this one. Here in South Florida, two out of every 200 people are living with HIV. Most of them lead completely healthy lives, thanks to medications that amfAR research played a part in bringing to market. But that ecosystem—reliance on access to daily medications—can be quite fragile. And that is why we need a cure.”
The evening also included a live auction of exquisite artworks by George Condo, Neil Jenney, Oliver Clegg, Alexandre Diop,and Jake Clark, a Tierney Gearon Commission, a SHA Wellness experience, diamond earrings from the evening’s Presenting Sponsor, Graff, and an exclusive amfAR Venezia experience for two.
Longtime amfAR supporters Dee and Tommy Hilfiger presented Amy and Bret Baier with amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award. Accepting their award, Amy and Bret spoke about their connection to amfAR’s mission through their son’s lifelong battle with congenital heart disease. “That’s what makes amfAR so special. It’s not just funding science; it’s pushing what’s possible forward. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when innovation and compassion come together. Philanthropy isn’t just about giving; it’s about believing. In people. In a vision. Getting in the arena, making the world better one step at a time.”
The night came to a spectacular close as EGOT recipient and 13-time GRAMMY Award–winning artist John Legend took the stage to give intimate performances of a Bruce Springsteen cover “Dancing in the Dark,” as well as his hits “Save Room,” “Green Light,” “Tonight (Best You Ever Had),” “All of Me,” and,per Gloria Gaynor’s request, Legend’s song with Meghan Trainor, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Palm Beach benefit gala has rapidly become a key source of funding in support of amfAR’s mission, raising nearly $20 million in just five years. The support from the Palm Beach community has been exceptional, united by the common goal of curing HIV while addressing other global health challenges.
Along with Presenting Sponsor Graff, who dressed on stage talent, the evening’s Signature Sponsor was Palmer PB. The official hotel partner was The Colony Hotel. The evening was supported by Burgess, Carriage House, Flecha Azul, French Bloom, Magnifica Air, Related Companies, SHA Wellness, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, The Fine Art Group, and You & Me Vodka. Palm Beach Illustrated was the Media Sponsor.
Event Design & Production by Rafanelli Events.
About amfAR
amfAR is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and transforming global health with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Serving as a catalyst for breakthrough science, amfAR supports innovative research in areas where viruses and the immune system play a defining role, including cancer, neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and other viral diseases. Through strategic investments, global research partnerships, and evidence-based policy leadership, amfAR helps accelerate discoveries that improve health and save lives. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,900 grants to scientists worldwide. To learn more, visit www.amfar.org.
Media Contact:
Bennah Serfaty, amfAR Senior Director, Communications, bennah.serfaty@amfar.org
Media Relations:
Melissa Rubenstein, Media Relations Associate, melisa.rubenstein@amfar.org
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