The amfAR Gala returned to the French Riviera for its 30th edition this year. The event this year is hosted by Demi Moore to raise funds for AIDS research. Held at the picturesque Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France, the gala saw the attendance of numerous big names arriving on the red carpet, including two of the most important philanthropists Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson.

For this, one of the biggest evenings of the year, NBA legend Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson sported outfits by the $1.4 billion worth Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana. The couple decided to go for matching outfits. The five-time champion wore a classic black suit by the brand, while his wife looked gorgeous in a black Dolce & Gabbana gown with a fitted bodice that flared out below the knees.

MJ also shared a few glimpses from the ‘magical evening’ on his Instagram post. The post is captioned, “Cookie and I were beyond thrilled to attend this year’s beautiful amFAR Gala, hosted by Demi Moore, which raised a lot of money for HIV/AIDS research. It’s one of the best events we’ve ever been to, and had the longest red carpet we’ve ever seen!”

Robin Thicke, Diplo, Paris Jackson, Petra Nemcova, Michelle Rodriguez, Winnie Harlow, Karolina Kurkova, Nick Jonas and many more high-profile celebrities and VVIPs walked the red carpet as they gathered for one noble reason, fundraising. As per reports the evening saw a total of $16 million raised through a fashion show, art auction, and performances; a long way since its founding.

Magic Johnson honored friend Elizabeth Taylor

It was in 1985 that Elizabeth Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) with the very first donation of $250,000 after one of her dear friends died of the cause. It quickly hit the ground running, fetching grants through fundraising and donations. Celebrities like Brittany Murphy, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, and more have contributed to the foundation through the years.

Johnson joined the list this year, having shared a great relationship with late Elizabeth Taylor. Their presence was also a homage to the actress. He wrote, “This event was special to us because we were friends with the late, great Elizabeth Taylor who founded amFAR, and we were recently honored by the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation!”

The Johnson couple were also honoured at The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation gala last year. The two have worked relentlessly since the 90s for the very cause and at times alongside Elizabeth. “We loved Elizabeth Taylor’s passion, activism and the work we did together…  Although there is still work to be done, we appreciate the acknowledgement,” he had said on receiving the honor.

During their time at the French Rivera this month, the Johnson couple were also awarded with the lifetime achievement honor by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. All in all, this was a great Cannes trip for the Johnson couple as they look to continue with giving back to the society.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.