amfAR Palm Beach 2026 Gala

amfAR returned to Palm Beach for its fifth annual gala on March 28, held at the home of Anne and Chris Flowers, bringing together a room of supporters, philanthropists, and cultural figures in support of its ongoing mission to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic once and for all.

The event opened with a performance by Gloria Gaynor, who had guests on their feet with a rendition of her iconic song “I Will Survive.” The event host Christie Brinkley followed, welcoming guests and reinforcing the urgency and importance of amfAR’s work. 

In his remarks, amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford echoed the perspective he shared in a conversation with PALMER ahead of the gala, speaking directly to the role of research not only in extending lives but in creating the real possibility of a cure for all. Clifford spoke about his own personal journey and diagnosis, underlying the importance of hope, not only as an idea, but as something made tangible through the research amfAR supports every day.

One of the highlights of the night came as EGOT recipient and 13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist John Legend performed an intimate set, which included a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” alongside his own songs, including “Green Light,” and “All of Me.”

The gala honored Amy and Bret Baier with amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award. A live auction of works by artists including George Condo and Neil Jenney, alongside experiences and jewelry, contributed to the evening’s fundraising efforts, which totaled $3.4 million in support of amfAR’s biomedical research programs. 

As the evening’s Signature Sponsor, PALMER ensured each guest left with a tote bag containing a special PALMER POST broadsheet alongside a copy of PALMER Volume 10 – The Anniversary Issue.

Since its launch in Palm Beach in 2022, the gala has raised nearly $20 million in support of amfAR’s work, a reflection of the island’s fundraising reach and of its continued commitment to advancing research and finding a cure.