The Elton John AIDS Foundation raised more than $3 million (USD) on Monday (November 2) at the 14th annual An Enduring Vision benefit gala.
The 23-year-old organization aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, support treatment and raise awareness of the disease in the United States, the Americas and the Caribbean.
At the benefit, John celebrated some of the strides made in the LGBT community over the past year, but said HIV/AIDS is still an epidemic.
“There’s a lot more history to be made, especially when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Our most vulnerable communities are still grappling with unprecedented rates of HIV and AIDS. Driven by stigma, discrimination and inequality. Transgender people are 49 times likely to have HIV than the general population. Former inmates are five times more likely to have HIV than those who never been incarcerated. One in three black gay men in the United States are living with HIV and AIDS, that is a frightening statistic. In total, more than 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV and AIDS. One and eight people who are infected are unaware that they have the disease,” he said.
The singer noted the injustices behind the disease and urged those in attendance to maintain empathy for those infected.
“As we continue to fight this epidemic and the injustices behind it, we must remember one thing. Every one of these people is an individual, a person with a story, a person deserving of love, compassion, and dignity. I want to thank you for believing in our vision of an AIDS free future and for supporting it with your generous donations and your extraordinary compassion.”
Artist Tracey Emin was honored at the event and KC and the Sunshine Band performed for the crowd. (Reuters)