Elton John’s Oscar Party Raises Millions for AIDS Foundation

Elton John‘s annual Academy Awards Viewing Party raised a record breaking $10.8 million for his AIDS Foundation, the largest amount raised in 32 year.

The start-studded event, co-hosted by Elton and husband David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka, and Tiffany Haddish,  featured performances from Elton, who took the stage with special musical guest, the band Gabriels, for his 2003 U.K. hit “Are You Ready for Love.”

“So far, this has been an extraordinary year beyond my wildest dreams, including the honor of achieving the EGOT, but it’s tonight’s gathering that is the ultimate highlight,” Elton said in a statement. “I’m so grateful to everyone who comes out each year to have a lot of fun and do a whole lot of good together. We’ve been loud and proud about showing compassion and ending the dreadful stigma that follows HIV, and we won’t stop until we achieve our mission.”

The gala raised money from donations and a silent auction, including a crystal bedazzled Yamaha piano signed by Elton, which went for $360,000. Elton upped the ante joining the auctioneer onstage and playing “Tiny Dancer” on the instrument.

Also up for auction, two Elton pinball machines, which went for $200,000 each. 

Other items that were auctioned off included two of Elton’s Gucci bomber jackets, a meet-and-greet with Elton and David at their upcoming photography exhibit at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, and a Rolex from Elton’s personal collection, engraved to commemorate his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.