Elton John AIDS Foundation will Celebrate 25th Anniversary With the Gala

Tonight, November 7, 2017, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will host its annual New York Fall Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. This year's gala commemorates the Foundation's 25th year and honors Founder Sir Elton John, Broadway World reports.

President Bill Clinton, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Sharon Stone, and others will pay tribute to Elton John's achievements as a philanthropist and humanitarian. The legendary Aretha Franklin will be the special musical guest, along with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and Broadway's The Lion King, featuring Heather Headley.

"Elton's philanthropic endeavors and activism for human rights and the arts have inspired millions and made a positive difference in people's lives around the world," said EJAF Chairman David Furnish. "But without a doubt, Elton's greatest contribution as a humanitarian is his 25-year commitment to building one of the most important institutions in the effort to end AIDS - the Elton John AIDS Foundation."

On November 6 Elton John was honored by Harvard Foundation as a Humanitarian of the Year for his work as founder of the EJAF.

In early October 2017 The Elton John AIDS Foundation announced bold new funding initiatives to combat HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. "As other donors have withdrawn from the region, EJAF remains committed to supporting people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, and sex workers throughout the region to improve their health and protect their human rights," said Anne Aslett, Executive Director of EJAF-UK.