Tom Ford, Kris Jenner, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger Gathered at AmfAR Palm Beach

On Saturday evening, on the sprawling, ocean-front estate of event chairs James and Lisa Cohen (who was elegantly wearing an Alice Temperley gown and Graff baubles), the who s who of Palm Beach came together in support of amfAR.

Emceed by the evening s hostess Julianna Margulies (who opened the night by expressing her hope that the HIV-focused storylines on her show ER were able to help move the needle forward), it was a night to be remembered to say the very least.

During his speech, James Cohen noted why a cure for HIV/AIDS was still urgently needed and reminded the guests why they were in the room: to raise funds in support of research to end HIV/AIDS. On stage, amfAR Board co-chairs Kevin McClatchy and T. Ryan Greenawalt shared that six in 10 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in this country are in people below the age of 35 and that more than 50% of all new cases occur in the South. Greenawalt also announced amfAR would donate to Compass Community Center, the oldest LGBTQ+ community center in South Florida, located in Palm Beach County.

amfAR’s CEO Kevin Robert Frost, who has been with the organization for over thirty years, was most looking forward to what would soon follow, the tribute to Dionne Warwick “as she changed the trajectory of the AIDS epidemic in America and this is long overdue as it means so much to me, but to those living with AIDS.”

Shortly thereafter, artist Amber Riley covered Warwick’s hit song “Don’t Make Me Over.” Warwick was then welcomed on stage in her bright blue ensemble. Dionne is single-handedly responsible for raising millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research and is the force behind the hit song “That s What Friends Are For,” where she brought together the likes of Stevie Wonder (who she referred to as Steven), Gladys Knight and Elton John to shed light on HIV/AIDS. They collaborated without question on what would become the globally recognized HIV/AIDS anthem. All proceeds from the Grammy Award-winning song were donated to amfAR as a result of her passion and commitment to the cause.

In his signature velvet suit, Tom Ford, who was seated next to Kris Jenner at the center table, then graced the stage and presented his dear friend Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger with her well-deserved Philanthropic Leadership award. Dazzling in a 16Arlington strapless white and jeweled dress and Judith Leiber bag, Dee noted her deep connection to the fight against HIV/AIDS through witnessing the epidemic firsthand in the ’80s and ’90s and expressed her hope that “we can maintain our humanity toward each other today.”

Sipping on Rumor Rose, a recurring donor for amfAR gala which was strategically placed on every table in the seafoam green and peach draped tent, the evening concluded with a serenade by Sting. He performed “Roxanne,” “Englishman in New York,” featuring surprise guest Shaggy, “Every Breath You Take,” and more. Captivating the room which was designed by Rafanelli Events, notable guests included Corey Gamble, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, Keith Lieberthal, Leonard Lauder and Aerin Lauder. Raymond F. Schinazi, best known for his pioneering work in antiviral drug development for HIV, HBV, HCV, and other pathogens was also present alongside his wife Nadira who was wearing a limited-edition Zimmermann gown sat alongside Dionne Warwick.

Lastly, the blue-chip art and fine jewelry auction from Macklowe Gallery began, including pieces by Jonas Wood, Will Cotton, Dana James, and Ed Ruscha. Patrons were engaged and generously opened their wallets for the occasion.

The after-party was hosted at the members-club Carriage House, and gala guests like Carolina Herrera-clad gallerist Devon McCready danced the night away.