Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish will host the 17th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party Benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The event will be held Sunday, February 22nd at the Pacific Design Center and will be co-sponsored by Chopard, Jo & Raffy Manoukian, and Vh1. The event will begin at 4PM with a cocktail reception, a formal dinner, a viewing of the 81st Annual Academy Awards, an auction, and a very special musical performer invited by Sir Elton John that has yet to be announced. Over the past 16 years the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Oscar-night gala has raised over $20 million for the fight against HIV/AIDS, which makes it the most highly visible and successful fundraising event held on Hollywood's biggest night. Among the stars who are guarunteed to attend are: Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, David & Victoria Beckham, Diana Jenkins, Donatella Versace, Ed Limato, Jo and Raffy Manoukian, John Waters, & Mary J. Blige. Nicole Kidman & Tom Calerone will serve as co-chairs for the event.source: PR News Wire
