LONDON, LAST NIGHT— Acclaimed singer, songwriter, campaigner and activist, Annie Lennox, performed at an exclusive event on Thursday, 3rd October. Benefits from the evening will support mothers2mothers vital work in sub-Saharan Africa, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The intimate event held at One Marylebone, London at 7pm in partnership with GUCCI as the Headline Sponsor. Ms. Lennox, whose peerless music career and tireless charity work has been widely praised and recognised with prestigious awards and honours headlined the evening, hosted by the internationally acclaimed actor Richard E. Grant, and successful author, broadcaster and businesswoman Muriel Gray.
Speaking about his involvement Richard E. Grant said, “The ground-breaking Mentor Mother programme devised by mothers2mothers is a simple, but very effective way preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. I’m delighted to be a part of this very special evening and to support mothers2mothers as they strive to expand this vital work and reach more mothers.”
As the evening’s title sponsor Gucci’s Frida Giannini added; "As part of our ongoing commitment to organisations that help to empower girls and women in the areas of health, education and justice, Gucci is proud to support mothers2mothers."
The evening raised over £300,000 through its silent auction of mothers2mothers projects in sub-Saharan Africa and a live auction assisted by Richard E Grant and chaired by Bonham’s. Most notably, an exclusive lot of the handwritten signed lyrics of ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Annie Lennox’s went for an estimated £40,000. Additionally, one-of-a-kind hand written and signed lyrics by Bono, Sting and Chris Martin of Coldplay were also part of the special auction lots. These funds will be used to expand mothers2mothers groundbreaking Mentor Mother programme across sub-Saharan Africa: saving lives by preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV; empowering mothers living with HIV; and supporting livelihoods.
About mothers2mothers
mothers2mothers (m2m) is eliminating transmission of HIV from mothers to babies and improving the health of women, their partners and families with its proven Mentor Mother model. Since its inception, m2m has reached more than one million mothers in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in South Africa in 2001, m2m is a partner in the United Nations’ Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive. Learn more at m2m.org or follow mothers2mothers @m2mtweets.
About GUCCI
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands. Alongside the values of quality, creativity and Italian artisanal craftsmanship, for which the brand is renowned, Gucci also believes in the importance of a responsible attitude towards people, the environment and the communities in which it operates. Corporate citizenship is a fundamental part of the mission and operating philosophy of the company. For more information about Gucci, please visit www.gucci.com
CHIME FOR CHANGE, founded by Gucci in February 2013, is a campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls’ and women’s empowerment with a focus on Education, Health and Justice. The mission of CHIME FOR CHANGE is to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world. For more information, please visit www.chimeforchange.org