Magic and Cookie Johnson received top honors at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS where emcee Courtney B. Vance read a letter sent by the former president as part of the night's tribute.
Magic added that while he agreed to take the stage, he also had a few stipulations for the program like A-list entertainment and electric vibes. ETAF officials and party planners pulled it off, too, by having Gladys Knight close out the evening and by installing a dance floor inside the ballroom located directly in front of the stage. Magic and Cookie got the party started by having a private couple’s dance as they were serenaded by the legendary singer.
Long before that happened, the Johnsons walked the red carpet where the NBA great took a few minutes to speak withabout the quality time he spent with Taylor in the early 1990s. During a press conference on Nov. 7, 1991, Magic revealed that he was HIV positive, and coincidentally that same year Taylor launched her foundation with a focus on fundraising and fighting for a cure.
“Elizabeth and I co-hosted or co-chaired the event for what must’ve been five or six years in a row,” Magic said. “We raised a lot of money and the fashion show was always unbelievable. Every year, we had the top models so it was just an awesome event.” As for the bond he shared with the late actress and activist, Magic noted, “We shared a love for bringing about change and raising awareness levels. We both understood that the disease needed our faces, our platforms and also our hearts.
Thursday night’s program — suppored by Gilead Sciences and Bulgari — also provided a live auction in partnership with Christie’s and auctioneer Brett Sherlock, and a guest list that also included ETAF ambassador
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