Champions of Compassion: Earvin “Magic” and Cookie Johnson Recognized by The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for their Outstanding Commitment.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has revealed that Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the NBA Hall of Fame legend, philanthropist, and businessman, along with philanthropist and entrepreneur Cookie Johnson, will receive The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. This prestigious recognition will be bestowed upon them at the highly anticipated fourth annual Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS, taking place on September 21 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Gilead Sciences, the presenting sponsor, will generously support the evening.

Esteemed individuals serving as Co-Chairs for this year’s gala include Paris Jackson, the musician, model, actor, and ETAF Ambassador, as well as Christine Chiu, the entrepreneur, producer, ETAF friend, and longtime supporter. The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS will encompass a delightful seated dinner for 270 esteemed guests, a thrilling live auction held in collaboration with Christie’s, featuring one-of-a-kind artworks and luxurious experiences, a captivating live performance, and an exclusive glimpse into the Elizabeth Taylor Archive. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore highlights from Elizabeth Taylor’s personal life, illustrious film career, and philanthropic endeavors.

“Elizabeth Taylor’s unwavering dedication, activism, and collaborative efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS deeply resonated with us,” expressed Earvin “Magic” and Cookie Johnson. “Since embarking on this journey in the early 90s, we have wholeheartedly committed ourselves to raising awareness and securing funding for programs aimed at curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for recognizing our unwavering dedication to creating an AIDS-free world. Being honored with The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award at this year’s gala is truly humbling. While there is still work to be done, we are grateful for this acknowledgment and remain steadfast in our advocacy for those most in need.”

In the wake of Mr. Johnson’s announcement, the Magic Johnson Foundation generously granted $2.3 million to HIV/AIDS organizations within the first two years alone. To date, over $14 million has been donated to support more than 80 community organizations, while millions of Americans have been reached through impactful awareness and education campaigns.

Under the “I Stand with Magic” program, implemented between 2006 and 2009, the MJF offered free HIV/AIDS testing to nearly 80,000 individuals across 16 major cities. Additionally, the program successfully educated over 622,000 people about HIV, its associated risk factors, and the crucial significance of testing.

Dedicating unwavering efforts to combat the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor founded The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991, driven by her vision of a world free from AIDS. ETAF tirelessly works to provide essential care to individuals living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. With a strong focus on advocating for hard-to-reach communities, ETAF continues to prioritize domestic initiatives, amplifying Elizabeth’s voice, commitment, and determination. Furthermore, ETAF’s programs have expanded to encompass comprehensive HIV prevention education and enhanced access to treatment through both domestic and international endeavors. For more information, please visit etaf.org.