Uma Thurman, Adrien Brody, Karolina Kurkova, Michelle Rodriguez, Pansy Ho, Aloe Blacc, Elle King, Michelle Yeoh, and amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole were among those who gathered at the second annual amfAR Hong Kong Gala at Shaw Studios to honor Victoria Beckham for her commitment to the fight against AIDS. The event, presented by Harry Winston and Calvin Klein Collection, raised over $4 million for amfAR’s life-saving AIDS research programs.

amfAR Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole encouraged guests to celebrate how much has been accomplished in the fight against HIV and AIDS while not losing sight of the hard work that remains to be done to end the epidemic, through programs such as amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure for AIDS initiative and the TREAT Asia Program.

Newly named UN Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh thanked the event’s sponsors with amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost, who announced the launch of a limited edition Countdown to a Cure Timepiece by Harry Winston. Twenty percent of the retail sales price of the men’s and ladies’ timepiece will be donated to amfAR’s efforts to develop a cure for HIV.

Uma Thurman presented the amfAR Award of Courage to Victoria Beckham, describing her as “a champion and leader in the global fight against AIDS.” Ms. Beckham thanked the individuals she has met over the past two years as a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador, a role in which she raises awareness for young women and girls affected by the epidemic, using her voice to build a healthier society and see an end to AIDS.

Guests enjoyed bidding on exclusive items during the live auction, conducted by Simon de Pury. Highlights included:

• Eight unique Andy Warhol photographs from his first and only trip to China in 1982 sold for $190,000.
• Model Karolina Kurkova introduced dazzling Harry Winston “Triple Diamond Loop Earrings,” set with rubies designed exclusively for the Hong Kong gala, which sold for $75,000.
• I Fell in Love Here, a neon work by renowned English artist, Tracey Emin, sold for $120,000.
• Adrien Brody donated an original piece of art, titled Grey Dragon, which sold for $100,000.
• A magnificent 7-night stay for 12 people at the largest and most beautiful residence in the Maldives, the Amilla Estate at Amilla Fushi, Baa Atoll, sold for $200,000.
• Two VIP invitations to the first ever gala dinner hosted by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in Monte Carlo and a “Sapphire Experience” during the Monaco Yacht Show sold three times for a total of $450,000.
• Five pieces from contemporary Chinese artists Cui Xiuwen, Yan Lei, Huang Gang, Wang Yuyang, and Ciu Ruzhuo, generously donated by amfAR Hong Kong gala Auction Partner, Poly Auction, sold separately for a total of $480,000.

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.  Since 1985, amfAR has invested $450 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.