A diverse crowd of notables united for the cause at the home of Ann and Gordon Getty
Words by DIANE DORRANS SAEKS
On Friday, Nov. 15, amfAR’s second annual charity poker tournament in San Francisco brought together celebrities, tech leaders, professional players and others from the social scene to raise funds for AIDS research via hands of poker and a live auction.
Gwyneth Paltrow, in town to open a new Goop studio in Pacific Heights, made an appearance. Meanwhile, Vanessa Getty and Jon Hamm sat side by side at a poker table in the residence of Ann and Gordon Getty, who chaired the event alongside Paltrow, Hamm, Alan Cumming, Vanessa and Billy Getty, Maria Bello, Tyler Florence, Victoria Justice, Greg Louganis and Bradford Shellhammer. Getting the ball rolling for the auction, Hamm said, “I’m happy to be here to support AIDS research. And I don’t get to San Francisco often enough.”
The annual fundraiser is the brainchild of Aileen Getty, who has been involved in AIDS fundraising for over two decades. She said she was originally inspired and encouraged by her former mother-in-law, screen legend Elizabeth Taylor. “Elizabeth had great compassion and was always a champion of amfAR, which supports innovative research,” Aileen said. “We work to fund scientists, as challenges with finding new solutions continue to arise.”
Ivy Getty was dressed to the nines in a sparkling Vivienne Westwood gown; alongside her was her handsome cousin Nicholas Getty, who wore black tie; and Balthazar and Rosetta Getty flew in from L.A. with their four children. In addition to discussing philanthropy among friends, Rosetta chatted about her newly launched eco-leather clogs, boots and shoes, just released in collaboration with the Ecco footwear company.
Additional guests, like Allison Spear, Alison Harrington, Victoire Reynal Brown and Maca Huneeus, enjoyed the night’s activities, which included the live auction, portrait sittings with photographer Drew Altizer, fashion illustrations by Mokshini and consultations from renowned astrologer Susan Miller. Meanwhile, others, such as Carole Bonnie, Gina Pell, Louise and Max Armour, Heidi Fisher and Bita Daryabari, took joy in observing those who tried their luck at the tables, going toe to toe with professional poker players.
Feature image: GWYNETH PALTROW. Photo by Drew Altizer.
Nov. 19, 2019
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