New York (USA), January 13, 2015 – Building on its legacy of philanthropy and charitable giving, international fine jeweler and watchmaker, Harry Winston, Inc., today announced a groundbreaking new partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, that represents the single largest corporate partnership in the Foundation’s history. Through a wide range of contributions including direct financial support and in-kind donations, Harry Winston will help advance amfAR’s efforts to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research.

Harry Winston will become the first company to serve as the presenting sponsor for the organization’s 27 gala events taking place across the globe over the next three years. These events are vital to raising more than half of amfAR’s general operating support, enabling the organization to invest wisely in pioneering research and programs. The company will also become a leading supporter of amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020.

“Harry Winston has long looked to the glamour of Hollywood and the allure of its most famous and important gemstones, as a way to raise awareness and funds for local charitable causes,” said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. “amfAR’s history of hosting some of the world’s most prominent charity events to drive support for its pioneering work towards finding a cure for AIDS, mirrors the same philanthropic principles and beliefs the Harry Winston brand was founded upon. Through amfAR, we are proud to not only continue our commitment to bringing more healthy and brilliant futures to all, but also to support the organization’s mission to ending a global epidemic, which continues to impact more than 35 million people worldwide.”

Harry Winston’s support of amfAR signifies the company’s expanding international presence and will enable amfAR to enter new markets, beginning with the first ever fundraising event in Hong Kong in March, 2015.

“We are tremendously grateful to Harry Winston for making a commitment to amfAR and our mission that is truly unprecedented,” said amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole. “It represents a long-term partnership with us in working to end the gravest public health threat of our time, and it’s a shining example of genuine corporate responsibility and vision that we hope others will follow.”

The first event sponsored by Harry Winston will take place on February 11 in New York City.

Supporting local communities and giving hope to those in need is a longstanding House tradition that began with our founder, Mr. Harry Winston. From 1949-1953, Mr. Winston organized an exhibition known as “The Court of Jewels” – a magnificent traveling collection featuring his most impressive and historic gems – which toured key cities across America raising money for local charitable causes.

Today, we continue this legacy of philanthropy through The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program. We support leading nonprofit organizations that strive to remove barriers for disadvantaged youth to obtain a quality education and the skills necessary to be successful in life, enable healthy futures for underserved populations and provide access to cultural and artistic enrichment


Harry Winston Inc., announced in January 2015 a groundbreaking new partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. In what marks the single largest corporate partnership in amfAR’s history, Harry Winston is supporting amfAR’s dedication to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research, including its Countdown to a Cure initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020. As a leading supporter of amfAR and its Countdown to a Cure initiative, Harry Winston has become the first company to serve as the presenting sponsor for the organization’s 27 gala events taking place across the globe over the next three years. These events are vital to raising more than half of amfAR’s general operating support, enabling the organization to invest wisely in pioneering research and programs.

L’amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment, education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Founded by Dr. Mathilde Krim and actress Dame Elizabeth Taylor in 1983, amfAR has invested close to $400 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 3,300 research teams worldwide. amfAR-funded research has increased the understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.


The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program is comprised of corporate giving and the Harry Winston Hope Foundation. The corporate giving program includes direct donations by the Company to non-profit organizations in our Salon communities. The Harry Winston Hope Foundation, supported primarily by the Company, provides grants to select non-profit organizations that are principally focused on helping young people to obtain a quality education. The Harry Winston Charitable Program is bolstered by the generous volunteering of time and talent of Harry Winston employees globally. The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures Charitable Program does not accept unsolicited applications for funding at this time.