Inaugural Dubai event raises $3m to support amfAR's AIDS research programs

The event, which was presented by The Dubai International Film Festival, raised $3m for amfAR.

Dubai Pearl was the event's sponsor. Hewlett-Packard Company and Alfiya Kuanysheva were Grand Patrons.

Among other guests who attended the gala at the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams, Desert Resort and Spa in support of amfAR were Abdul Majid al Fahim (Chairman, Dubai Pearl), Abdulhamid M. Jama (Chairman Dubai International Film Festival), among others.

The evening opened with remarks by amfAR CEO Kevin Frost. Frost thanked those in attendance with an empowering message of gratitude, "No action that you take has greater potential to bring an end to the global AIDS pandemic, than what you do tonight in support of AIDS research."

Frost then introduced amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh opened with a powerful message, painting a vivid picture of film's role in stimulating cultural understanding. "Cinema has the power to open people's eyes to the human condition and to illuminate issues and causes that transcend borders and cultural differences."

Later in the program, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole spoke compellingly about the importance of global AIDS research and awareness and later introduced amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone. Stone led the live auction with a custom Louis Vuitton Vanity Case which she designed that sold for $55,000.

During a break in the auction, "Across the Universe" star Dana Fuchs performed with accompanist Ben Strivers. Celebrity portraitist Brian Olsen then created a one-of-a-kind Marilyn Monroe portrait during the event with his hands full of brushes, he began an acrobatic performance. The piece was later auctioned off for $200,000.

The program closed with a fireworks display, and an after-party featuring DJ Mateo followed the event.

Other speakers were Abdul Majid Al Fahim, Chairman, Dubai Pearl and Adulhamid Juma, Chairman, Dubai International Film Festival.

Five-time Grammy Award-winning Cuban American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan was the evening's surprise performer singing her hit "Cuts Both Ways." Estefan also closed the evening's festivities along-side musical performer Dana Fuchs and host Sharon Stone.

Other highlights of the auction include:

A bidder paid $600,000 for a contemporary art installation by American Modern Master Robert Rauschenberg. This piece was one of the twelve monumental works in Rauschenberg's Scenario series, Moors is a visual collage created from the artist's vast archive of found and self-generated photographs, here transferred onto aluminum panels covered in polylaminate synthetic fabric.

Sharon Stone's vintage 1961 Lincoln Continental, refurbished to mint condition, sold for $400,000. This lovingly restored car—with signed certification of ownership by Sharon Stone—features the Continental's most recognized trademark, its front-opening rear doors.

Sharon Stone auctioned a private screening at the world-renowned William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills, followed by a private dinner with her at Spago Beverly Hills, courtesy of ce¬lebrity chef Wolfgang Puck for $110,000.

Sharon Stone and Dita Von Teese showcased couture fashion from Sharon Stone's personal collection. Her choices for this auction included a honey-brown Roberto Cavalli snake¬skin jacket with a fur-trimmed collar and a soft beige leather Louis Vuitton jacket, also trimmed in fur. Addi¬tional pieces in this collection include a Roberto Cavalli couture leopard-patterned silk gown; an asymmetrical, sleeveless gown with matching jacket by Ungaro Cou¬ture; and a stunning John Galliano couture black chiffon evening gown, sold for $50,000. Dita Von Teese modeled a gold H.Stern bracelet from the DVF Collection which was also included in the auction.

The Dior Christal Unique Timepiece by Dior Watches sold for $200,000. Engraved on the case back with Sharon Stone's signature and "amfAR gala, Dubai, December 10, 2007," this unparalleled watch was constructed of quartz, stainless steel, and black sapphire crystal with 910 radiant diamonds (F.G. color, V.S. clarity, 11.5 carats) and precise Swiss quartz chronograph movement.

The Trench of Stars by Ottavio Fabbri, a fabulous limited edition crystal-encrusted silk trench coat, sold for $10,000.

The Voodoo Omen Gold-Edition Hewlett-Packard's Custom-Built Gold-Plated Personal Gaming Computer, the only luxuriously gold-plated PC of its kind in the world, sold for $45,000.

The Jumeirah/Emirates Vacation for Two - which included five nights in a suite in any Jumeirah hotel in New York, London, Dubai or the soon-to-open Shanghai property, as well as round-trip business class airfare - sold for $30,000.