Why Europe's Largest Annual AIDS Fundraiser Just Celebrated Its Last

On June 8th in Vienna's stunning City Hall the 26th annual Life Ball took place, attracting international crowds for Europe's largest fundraiser for AIDS research. Toting a brand new motto “United in Diversity. Walking on the yellow brick road towards an end to AIDS,” the extravagant event that's televised throughout Europe and has been attended by the likes of Bill Clinton, Liza Minelli, and Elton John among other Hollywood stars in the past. The event that became known for its one-of-a-kind extravagance and campy, philanthropic appeal also reached the end of its own journey down the proverbial yellow brick road, concluding the event's long history on a bittersweet note.

Founded by Gery Keszler and Torgom Petrosian in 1993, it became one of the world’s most important AIDS charity events, raising over €30M  and subsiding on the work of over 2,000 volunteers at the event each year in addition to dedicated organizers. Benefitting the global aid projects that donated annually to international partner organizations, founder and organizer, Gery Keszler will continue his work through the LIFE+ association. The makeup artist turned longtime activist made the announcement a few months back and recalled his tenure saying,  “they were incredible, fantastic and intense years. We achieved more than we ever dared hope. I am so eternally grateful. It is now time to bring this project to a fitting conclusion.” 

After celebrating its 25th year in 2018, the event's untimely end comes as a surprise to many and a shock to the city of Vienna's many enthusiasts who attend the gala each year in support of the cause. While the fundraiser's annual ball has been a beacon for hope in change, its immense success over the last quarter century comes with an unfortunate downside:  “The underlying conditions and circumstances have changed greatly over the last few years. We have achieved a lot in the fight against AIDS. AIDS has changed from a death sentence to being a chronic disease. The paradox of this success is that the number of allies for AIDS charity projects is decreasing both at home and abroad,” Keszler says. As it becomes increasingly difficult to secure sponsors for the ball, the organization struggles to maintain what has evolved into an over-the-top celebration that raises awareness and funds while working to eradicate stigma. 

In typical fashion, the Life Ball kicked off with an elaborate opening ceremony that starred Warhol muse Dianne Brill as the good witch and featured the likes of Alan Cumming, Amanda Lepore, Dita Von Teese, Alaska Thunderfuck, Deborah Cox and an appearance from amfAR ambassador Katie Holmes, among others. Culminating in a fashion show by New York designer, Christian Cowan, the night's festivities endured in typical fashion, with a party inside the historic City Hall.  

After another dazzling production featuring a star-studded cast, the Life Ball's message that drove government and corporations to support the AIDS research internationally continues to resonate with the ball's audience of millions. The event's organizers continue to emphasize the “80-40-40” statistic, which highlights the approximate 80 million HIV infections to date, 40 million deaths as well as the 40 million people living with the disease. LIFE+ also continues to strive and support the continent of Africa, where 53% of people are living with HIV, alarmingly. 

Source: Forbes.com

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