As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has decided it’s time to honor…Elton John.
The organization will celebrate its founder during its annual New York Fall Gala on November 7 at the Cathedrals of St. John the Divine. Neil Patrick Harris will host the event, while Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, Katy Perry, Cyndi Lauper and others will serve as event co-chairs, and Aretha Franklin has agreed to perform.
Previous recipients of the Enduring Vision Award and Founder’s Award will be on hand, including former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and others.
In a statement, EJAF Chairman David Furnish, John’s husband, says that, “Elton’s philanthropic endeavors and activism for human rights and the arts have inspired millions and made a positive difference in people’s lives around the world. But without a doubt, Elton’s greatest contribution as a humanitarian is his 25-year commitment to building one of the most important institutions in the effort to end AIDS.”
Ticket information for the gala can be found at EJAF.org.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.