Harry Winston, INC. Announces Milestone Partnership with amfAR

New Venture Leverages the Power of Celebrity Support to Raise Funds and Awareness to Find a Cure for HIV/AIDS

Dubai (UAE), January 14, 2015 –Building on its legacy of philanthropy and charitable giving, international fine jeweler and watchmaker, Harry Winston, Inc., today announced a groundbreaking new partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, that represents the single largest corporate partnership in the Foundation’s history.  Through a wide range of contributions including direct financial support andin-kind donations, Harry Winston will help advance amfAR’s efforts to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. 

Harry Winston will become the first company to serve as the presenting sponsor for the organization’s 27 gala events taking place across the globe over the next three years.  These events are vital to raising more than half of amfAR’s general operating support, enabling the organization to invest wisely in pioneering research and programs. The company will also become a leading supporter of amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020.

“Harry Winston has long looked to the glamour of Hollywood and the allure of its most famous and important gemstones, as a way to raise awareness and funds for local charitable causes,”said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. “amfAR’s history of hosting some of the world’s most prominent charity events to drive support for its pioneering work towards finding a cure for AIDS, mirrors the same philanthropic principles and beliefs the Harry Winston brand was founded upon. Through amfAR, we are proud to not only continue our commitment to bringing more healthy and brilliant futures to all, but also to support the organization’s mission to ending a global epidemic, which continues to  impact more than 35 million people worldwide.”

Harry Winston’s support of amfAR signifies the company’s expanding international presence and will enable amfAR to enter new markets, beginning with the first ever fundraising event in Hong Kong in March, 2015.

"We are tremendously grateful to Harry Winston for making a commitment to amfAR and our mission that is truly unprecedented,”said amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole. “It represents a long-term partnership with us in working to end the gravest public health threat of our time, and it’s a shining example of genuine corporate responsibility and vision that we hope others will follow.”

The first event sponsored by Harry Winston will take place on February 11 in New York City.