An Evening of Legacy and Advocacy at the Rainbow Room For The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 21: (L-R) Laura Coates and Don Lemon attend The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation New York Dinner at The Rainbow Room on April 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation)
On April 22, 2026, the iconic Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center set the stage for an evening that blended elegance with purpose, as The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation hosted its 4th Annual New York Dinner. With CNN’s Laura Coates guiding the night and support from Presenting Sponsor Gilead Sciences, Inc., the event brought together leaders, advocates, and artists united by a shared commitment to ending HIV/AIDS.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 21: (L-R) Orfeh and Julia Fox attend The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation New York Dinner at The Rainbow Room on April 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation)
The ceremony honored individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape awareness and action. M·A·C VIVA GLAM, Tim Rosta, Marc Porter and Heather Barnhart of Christie’s, and Don Lemon were recognized for their enduring contributions to advocacy and public engagement. Their remarks reflected not only gratitude but also a renewed urgency to carry forward Elizabeth Taylor’s fearless example.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 21: (L-R) Rashad Burgess, Marc Porter and Kara Moore attend The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation New York Dinner at The Rainbow Room on April 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation)
Rosta emphasized the importance of education programs like LIFEBEAT, highlighting their rare and vital presence in the United States today. Lemon, in a moving tribute, reframed boldness as simple humanity, recalling Taylor’s refusal to remain silent during the height of the AIDS crisis. Porter and Barnhart echoed this sentiment, pointing to her courage in confronting stigma and mobilizing support across industries, while stressing the ongoing need for private organizations to sustain underserved communities.
The evening also celebrated the power of the arts, with performances by Tony and Grammy-nominated singer Orfeh and singer-songwriter Hamilton Leithauser, adding emotional resonance to a night rooted in remembrance and resolve. From the intimate reception to the final applause, the gathering served as both a tribute and a call to action.
As proceeds from the event go toward advancing the foundation’s mission, the night stood as a testament to the enduring impact of Elizabeth Taylor’s vision—one that continues to inspire a collective pursuit of an AIDS-free world.
For more information visit: https://elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org/