Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Announces Star-Studded 4th Annual New York Dinner at the Rainbow Room
Don Lemon will be presented with The Elizabeth Taylor Bold Voice Award for his outspoken advocacy and commitment to reducing stigma around HIV. Photo Credit: David Urbanke
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is set to return to New York City in powerful fashion this spring, announcing its fourth annual New York Dinner on April 21, 2026. The highly anticipated evening will take place at the iconic Rainbow Room, perched atop Rockefeller Plaza, bringing together leaders in entertainment, philanthropy, and advocacy for a night dedicated to the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Hosted by CNN anchor Laura Coates, the event promises to be both elegant and impactful, honoring a distinguished group of changemakers whose contributions have significantly advanced HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and care. This year’s honorees include M·A·C VIVA GLAM, Tim Rosta, Marc Porter and Heather Barnhart of Christie’s, and acclaimed journalist Don Lemon.
At the heart of the evening is a celebration of legacy and continued commitment. M·A·C VIVA GLAM will receive The Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award, recognizing decades of groundbreaking philanthropy. Since its launch in 1994, the campaign has raised over $540 million by donating 100% of VIVA GLAM lipstick sales to nonprofit organizations supporting HIV/AIDS initiatives, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women’s health. Its long-standing partnership with ETAF has helped advance the foundation’s mission of equality and access to care for underserved communities.
Laura Coates. Photo Credit: CNN
Tim Rosta, founding Executive Director of LIFEBEAT, will be honored with The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. A pioneer in mobilizing the music and entertainment industry, Rosta has spent years bridging the gap between artists and communities affected by HIV/AIDS. His leadership has helped amplify prevention efforts and connect at-risk populations with essential resources.
Also receiving The Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award are Marc Porter and Heather Barnhart of Christie’s, recognized for their philanthropic leadership and innovative fundraising efforts. Through high-profile auctions and partnerships with organizations like amfAR and the New York City AIDS Memorial, Christie’s has played a vital role in generating funding for HIV/AIDS research, education, and community support programs.
Journalist Don Lemon will be presented with The Elizabeth Taylor Bold Voice Award for his outspoken advocacy and commitment to reducing stigma around HIV. A vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ health initiatives, Lemon has consistently used his platform to promote testing, education, and access to treatment. His role as the 2025 Champion for ETAF’s “HIV Is Not A Crime” campaign further underscores his dedication to social justice and public health.
Honoree Marc Porter
Supported by presenting sponsor Gilead Sciences, the evening will feature an intimate reception, seated dinner, live entertainment, and a program highlighting ETAF’s ongoing work. As one of the foundation’s most visible annual events, the New York Dinner not only honors those making a difference but also raises critical funds to continue Elizabeth Taylor’s vision of an AIDS-free world.
Tim Rosta founding Executive Director of LIFEBEAT, will be honored with The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award.
Founded in 1991, ETAF remains at the forefront of advocacy, focusing on direct care and outreach to hard-to-reach communities. Through initiatives like “HIV Is Not A Crime” and partnerships with programs such as LIFEBEAT, the foundation continues to push for systemic change while expanding access to prevention, education, and treatment.
As the fight against HIV/AIDS continues, events like the ETAF New York Dinner serve as a reminder of both how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead—bringing together voices, resources, and unwavering commitment to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.