Janet Jackson chaired amfAR event raises $1.1 million for HIV/AIDS, Michael Jackson boots auctioned

AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Janet Jackson was the chair of the amfAR celebrity auction which took place to raise money for HIV/AIDS - and raise money she did. A total of $1.1 million dollars and Michael Jackson's crystal-studded boots were auctioned - boots that MJ would have worn on his 'This is It' tour.

Janet thanked those in attendance: 'I'd just like to thank everyone here in the global fashion community who've done so much to help amfAR and to support HIV/AIDS research. When this terrible pandemic began everyone ... who was infected died of AIDS. Today with your help millions of people are living with HIV.'

According to the AP, 'amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost celebrated the first "flicker of hope" that the AIDS epidemic may one day be contained, the news last week that a two-vaccine combination tested in Thailand had cut the risk of being infected with HIV by one-third. Researchers say the results are not good enough for immediate use, but the results were widely viewed in the AIDS prevention and research camps as a hopeful sign.' Frost said: 'That, my friends, is the power of research. So believe me when I tell you, there is a way out. We believe with the right investment, we can bring this epidemic to an end in our lifetime.'

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Attention Michael Jackson supporters: There is a wonderful new project in the form of a portrait that millions of fans worldwide can take part in. A Portrait of Michael Jackson created from millions of hand-drawn dots will invite millions of fans worldwide to become part of Jackson's legacy by getting a free dot in the portrait in their name. A dot is not drawn on the canvas until someone signs up for it; at least one million fans (dots) are needed to complete the image of the King of Pop, with room in the portrait for many more millions to participate. The organizers of this tribute have the support of Ken Kragen, who was responsible for "We Are the World," The Robson Family (Joy, Wade and Chantal), and Don Wilson, the creator / director / producer of the "Man in the Mirror" video. Proceeds will be donated to several charities that were dear to Michael, including The Make A Wish Foundation. Every single hand-drawn dot David places on his canvas represents a real person. People have joined David's projects from over 150 countries. Every Michael Jackson fan will be able to get a free hand-drawn dot added to the portrait in their name. Thus far people representing over 100 countries have signed up to take part in this project. The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is a partner of The Michael Jackson Fan Club (http://www.MJfanclub.net), the largest Michael Jackson fan club in the world, which was supported by Jackson himself.

You can now sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com for your dot. The portrait starts on August 28th. A dedicated website will be created so people can sign up for their free dot. People will be able to attach a message to their dot if they choose. Every time someone signs up, a dot will be hand drawn in the work of art in their name. People will be able to go online to see the portrait as it evolves toward completion and read some of the messages.

Please sign up at SupportJacksonPortrait.com and be a part of this tribute to the King of Pop.

Read the interview with artist David Ilan here.

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