amfAR Inaugural Charity Poker Tournament
The inaugural amfAR charity poker tournament was held on Saturday, November 17, at the Pacific Heights residence of honorary chairs Ann and Gordon Getty. Themed “All In for a Cure,” the black-tie gala brought together high-profile guests to raise funds for AIDS research.
Among the celebrity attendees were Robin Wright, Karolina Kurkova, Vanessa Getty, Katie Traina, Tatum Getty and Ken Fulk, who were all able to bid for a chance to play with professional poker players Antonio Esfandiari, Scott Blumstein and Jeff Gross in support of the cause.
Wright welcomed everyone and spoke of the impact the event would make in potentially ending the AIDS epidemic. Among the guests there to show support were Shannon and Peter Getty, Mia Maestro, Beth Townsend, Heidi Castelein Fisher, Carol Bonnie, Ali Sonsini, Malin Giddings, Dr. Mervyn and Deborah Silverman, Dr. Ray Schinazi, Megha and Nirav Tolia, and Nadira Mansour.
Vanessa introduced another speaker—her cousin, Aileen Getty, who, although not physically present, spoke to the crowd via video feed about her personal experience fighting health complications as a result of being HIV positive and stressed the importance of funding research.
In addition to the tournament and the evening’s thoughtful remarks about research, highlights included a live auction and a special performance by singer-songwriter CeeLo Green, who provided the night’s entertainment.
Written by Diane Dorrans Saeks
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