DIFF 07: AmFar raises $3 million

by Stevie Wong

Bringing her legendary charm and skills to the sands of Dubai, Sharon Stone swept into town to host the 1st ever AmFar charity event to benefit AIDS research.

The event, located some 40 minutes away from the Dubai Film Festival grounds, brought together some huge names including Michelle Yeoh, designer Kenneth Cole, Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen and burlesque fashion icon Dita Von Teese, all of whom flew in for the occasion.

Though many countries in the middle east still consider the epidemic of AIDS to be a taboo subject, the organizers of DIFF feel that bringing a charity such as AmFar really shows their openness to educating and perhaps bridging the cultural gap between the west and the middle east.

By the end of the evening, Sharon Stone auctioned off over $3 Million US dollars and swore to reach higher numbers when she returns the next time.

Now, as we were waiting to chat with some of the guests, Hayden Christensen dropped by literally for a minute to talk about his upcoming film Jumper. I bring him up only because in the next month, you'll see what Hayden and the VIP Access team have in store for you... and it's BIG!

Finally, I just want to end this piece with the FABULOUS burlesque fashion icon Dita Von Teese working the red carpet. No doubt her gorgeous prescence helped raise some money for the worthy cause.

Damn, she look good!