Elton John AIDS Foundation launches range of crystal sculptures
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has partnered with crystal manufacturer Lalique and online auction house Paddle8 for a collection of seven crystal sculptures, four of which will be auctioned and sold to raise critical funds to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“For me, this partnership with Lalique clearly demonstrates the company’s deep commitment to its role as a global corporate citizen,” said Elton John, founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with Lalique and Paddle8 to raise funds that will support important projects in the fight against AIDS in the Americas and in the Caribbean.”
Three pieces from the ‘Music Is Love’ collection are now available for purchase at Lalique boutiques nationwide and select retailers. These pieces include the crystal angel, limited to 999 worldwide (£1,200), the red crystal heart, limited to 499 worldwide (£1,200) and the clear crystal heart, limited to 999 worldwide (£800). 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“The ultimate goal of this project is to raise money to support urgently needed projects that address the continuing challenges of the AIDS epidemic across the globe. In doing so, we also want to create beautiful and meaningful pieces for people to purchase that speak to the high standards of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Lalique,” says Sir Elton.
“I collect art, I love art, I love glass and I collect glass. Something artistic together with the message of the AIDS Foundation, which is to share the love and try and heal and educate as many people about the disease of AIDS as possible, it is a combination of bringing two big forces together. Creating cause- marketing products also helps EJAF to reach out to new audiences through special collaborations like this one. We are a very prestigious AIDS Foundation. We’ve been there for a long time now, there are not many of us left, but what we do is respected throughout the world and for people who come into a store and buy a Lalique piece that benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation, they are doing so much good and I thank you all in advance for doing that.
The centrepiece of the collection, the Angel Cire Perdue in clear and red crystal, together with three additional unique special editions of the standing Angel and Heart, will be auctioned off by Paddle8 at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on 28th February 2016. These pieces will be available online in the weeks leading up to the live auction and accessible via Paddle8.com and Paddle8’s free iPhone app. Paddle8 co-founder Alexander Gilkes will also serve as live auctioneer for the third consecutive year at the viewing party, and all proceeds from the auction will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.