The Versace Foundation together with Donatella Versace and Allegra Versace Beck announced that they are collectively supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund, making a five-year commitment to this new fundraising campaign in support of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Donatella Versace will be named Co-Chair of The Rocket Fund.
The Versace Foundation’s donation will be used to support LGBTQIA+ programs through the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund, a new campaign to raise $125 million targeted at increasing support for those most at risk of HIV/AIDS, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have been disproportionately affected by this virus.
The Rocket Fund will focus on addressing the health inequity, stigma, and discrimination that enable HIV/AIDS to continue to flourish. By supporting groundbreaking programs and partners working directly with communities and governments, The Rocket Fund will enhance access to health resources like testing and medicine; fight discriminatory and dangerous laws; and empower those most at risk to take control of their health through prevention and information.
“We are proud to pledge The Versace Foundation’s support to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund. Our five-year commitment is designed to further the important work of The Versace Foundation to engage with philanthropic organizations and community groups to promote the advancement of the equity, wellness, and safety of LGBTQIA+ communities globally,” said Emmanuel Gintzburger, CEO, Versace.
“I am truly honored to be a co-chair of The Rocket Fund and to be supporting this vital initiative together with The Versace Foundation. I am very proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. At Versace, we have always championed inclusivity and equity, and we are committed to supporting Elton and his extraordinary Foundation and their mission to end AIDS and the stigma attached to it by 2030,” said Donatella Versace, Chief Creative Officer, Versace.
“As we celebrate Pride Month, we must also recognize the urgent need to end HIV stigma that disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ community and contributes to the inequalities in basic, primary health rights around the world. We are so proud of our partnership with The Versace Foundation and honored that they have joined our Rocket Fund mission – to dismantle these health disparities and bring the world closer to our vision of an AIDS-free world,” said Anne Aslett, CEO, the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
For more information on The Rocket Fund, visit www.therocketfund.org and for further details on Capri Holdings’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit “Diversity & Inclusion” at www.capriholdings.com.
“When the AIDS epidemic began 32 years ago, it was a very dark moment in history,” said Donatella Versace. “I personally lost four of my best friends and so many friends and colleagues from the industry. My brother Gianni suffered from the stigma associated with his sexual orientation, made worse by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I am shocked that today, with everything we know and how fast we can communicate, HIV is on the rise amongst young LGBTQ+ people. As Pride celebrations begin globally, I am committed to supporting the amazing work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation to end AIDS by 2030 and to kick start our efforts with our $300,000 match.”
In addition to her longtime support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Donatella has a long history of philanthropic giving in the fight against HIV/AIDS and in support of the LGBTQ+ community. In 1993, she and Gianni Versace published their book “South Beach Stories,” donating all proceeds to the Italian AIDS relief organization ANLAIDS. In 2019, Donatella was honored as an official Stonewall ambassador by Pride Live for her work to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community.
“Elton and I are honored to have our dear friend and LGBTQ+ ally, Donatella Versace joining this monumental moment for the Foundation as a Co-Chair of The Rocket Fund,” said David Furnish, Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to impact millions of people globally. As parts of the world are becoming more divisive and dangerous, the most vulnerable among us are being left behind. This generous matching gift from Donatella Versace will help to ensure the LGBTQ+ community worldwide has increased access to HIV education, testing and compassionate care and make Elton’s dream – to end AIDS in his lifetime – a reality.”
Supporters can contribute to this $300,000 match commitment to the Elton John AIDS Foundation by making a donation at www.ejafrocketfund.org.