An Evening with Elton John benefiting Children with HIV/AIDS

In 1984 the public became painfully aware of a frightening new virus that would forever change the world. The first reports of the HIV virus centered on the gay and IV drug users communities. However the virus would soon hit the mainstream population in ways no one could have ever imagined. People magazine ran a feature on a 14 year old hemophilia patient who like thousands of others who had received blood products or transfusion before 1986, had contracted the deadly virus. Ryan White, a happy All-American youngster from Indiana never had imagined that he would someday be the voice to educate our nation and for that matter the world about HIV & AIDS.

In 1988, Athletes & Entertainers for Kids hosted a multi-platinum, star-studded benefit dinner concert featuring Elton John and hosted by recent Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) and then heart-throb brat packer Charlie Sheen. The sold out event not only generated significant funds for AEFK’s public health educational services but generated critically needed awareness for HIV and AIDS worldwide.

“Who else could go into a dinner and turn it into a party?” asked MCA record Chairman Irving Azoff. Who else but Elton John? The ballroom was the Century Plaza’s, the fundraising dinner was for Athletes & Entertainers for Kids and the party took off the moment Elton hit the first cord.” Bill Higgins, LA Herald Examiner

An All-Star Tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The For the Love of Children 2 Concert event featured appearances by some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including: Billy Crystal, Quincy Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Bruce Willis, Debbie Allen, Gladys Knight, Elliot Gould, James Caan, Joan van Ark, Danny Glover, Jasmine Guy, Ryan O’Neal, Farrah Fawcett, Robert Townsend, Angie Dickenson, Patrick Duffy, Ervin Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Jordan, Stanley Clarke, AEFK National Chairperson Howie Long (Fox NFL Show), members of the 1989 Los Angeles Lakers and Coach Pat Riley and others.

In celebration of the retirement of Los Angeles Lakers living legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Athletes & Entertainers for Kids feted the NBA great at the Century Plaza Hotel. The benefit black-tie gala was broadcasted on a NBC television special. Kareem helped AEFK to establish a Stay in School program promoting responsible school attendance. Over 250,000 students benefited from this program which is still operating today with AEFK’s president Shaquille O’Neal who now heads up the program.