Ricky Martin, Martha Stewart, and $3.8M Raised: Inside amfAR’s Palm Beach Gala
On Saturday, Palm Beach was ‘livin’ la vida loca’ in support of a serious cause. Hosted on the sprawling oceanfront estate of philanthropist Ken Griffin, amfAR returned to the ritzy enclave for its fourth consecutive year—this time, with a bang in true Ricky Martin fashion. The global gala, benefiting HIV/AIDS research and prevention, raised an impressive $3.8 million, bringing together celebrities, performers, philanthropists, researchers, and amfAR’s devoted supporters.
This year, 470 impeccably dressed guests gathered to honor two icons: award recipient Martha Stewart and Andrea and Steve Wynn. Plus, there was multi-Grammy-winning artist Ricky Martin, who later performed a private concert that had attendees on their feet.
Festivities began with a cocktail hour beneath elegantly striped turquoise and red tents, where guests sipped Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve and admired cases of Graff diamonds displayed beside photographs of Jean-Michel Basquiat by Christopher Makos. Graff, a donor to the live auction, also contributed a dazzling pair of diamond earrings, which were swiftly auctioned off for the cause.
Around 8 p.m., attendees including Tony Robbins, Sarah Wetenhall, Delfina Blaquier, Joey Wolffer, Lizzy Bickford Meadow, Lisa and James Cohen, event chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Joey Licitra, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Michele and Howard Kessler, Dr. Dana and Robert Kraft, Caroline and Omeed Malik, Kevin McClatchy and Jack Basilone, and Amy and John Phelan, entered a grand tent designed by Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck Van Wyck.
Supermodel and hostess Coco Rocha, a longtime amfAR supporter, kicked off the evening with charm and wit. She reminded guests that 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of amfAR’s founding by Dr. Mathilde Krim and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Rocha highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in advancing treatment and research—work that has allowed millions with HIV to lead long, healthy lives—and emphasized the urgent need to extend access to care to the 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.
The highlight of the night was honoring the one and only Martha Stewart, radiant in pale blue Adam Lippes. Dee and Tommy Hilfiger introduced Stewart, whose acceptance of the Award of Inspiration moved many. Reflecting on the early days of her New York catering business, she spoke candidly about losing loved ones to HIV/AIDS and stressed the importance of PrEP and preserving PEPFAR funding, noting its life-saving impact worldwide. “We can be inspired by what amfAR has accomplished, and we can stand by them—and fund them—in all that they are poised to accomplish in the near future,” Stewart concluded. Dee Hilfiger added, “We’re especially honored to recognize Martha’s incredible contributions—not only to culture and style, but also her passionate advocacy for amfAR and its mission.”
After a lavish three-course dinner catered by Island Catering, Ricky Martin electrified the tent with a high-energy set including “Pégate,” “She Bangs,” “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” and “Cup of Life.” Before taking the stage, Martin spoke with Vogue about his deep connection to amfAR, his love for Palm Beach, and his stay at the Colony Hotel. Dressed in Brioni, he shared: “It feels surreal to be back—Palm Royale is so legit, the whole vibe of this wonderful city, and the show captures it perfectly.” As for the cause: “Do you have time for me to tell you eighty-thousand reasons why I support amfAR?” he said with a smile. “There are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS around the world, and every two minutes, someone acquires HIV. People think it s something of the past—but it’s not, and I never say no when amfAR asks. I hope to be part of the generation that sees HIV/AIDS in the past, thanks to the invaluable work amfAR is doing.”
The evening featured stirring moments, from vocalist Pia Toscano’s powerful performance to an update from amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy. They shared news of two new potential HIV/AIDS cures announced just days before—bringing the total to ten—and emphasized that more accessible treatments are needed. “While this is a remarkable success, each case involved high-risk stem cell transplants, as patients were also battling blood cancer,” noted Greenawalt.
Christie’s auctioneer and art world dynamo Sara Friedlander led a high-octane live auction, which included works by Hilary Pecis and Andrew Brischler, a 10-person experience at Martha Stewart’s private residence, and an iconic Bob Mackie dress and jacket modeled by Coco Rocha herself.
After the gala, many decamped to Palm Beach’s most exclusive club—the Carriage House.
Photo: Getty1/9T. Ryan Greenawalt, Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Hilfiger
Photo: Getty2/9Ricky Martin