Elton John AIDS Foundation Holds ‘Out the Closet’ Sale to Raise Money for International HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care Efforts
The Elton John AIDS Foundation yesterday for the fourth time began its "Out the Closet" sale in London to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention and care, London's Independent reports. Pop star Sir Elton John, his partner David Furnish, singer Victoria Beckham and her husband, soccer player David Beckham, have donated approximately 20,000 items of clothing and merchandise for the sale, which raised approximately $78,500 in its first two hours and will continue until all the items are sold, according to the Independent (Lister, Independent, 12/5). According to the Guardian, the last such sale raised more than $675,000 for the foundation (Vasagar, Guardian, 12/5). The funds raised at this year's sale will go toward HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs in 55 countries worldwide (Independent, 12/5). "We do this to raise as much money as we can for HIV and AIDS. It is a disease that knows no boundaries or prejudices. It's a very small thing we do. You can go through your wardrobe and say: 'Get it out' and it's fun to do. It's very therapeutic and you know how much you can do with the money, so it's a great thing," Furnish said (Guardian, 12/5).
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