Vienna goes glam for Europe's biggest HIV charity bash
VIENNA, May 25 (Reuters Life!) - Glitter, glamour and charity will rule Vienna society on Saturday as celebrities like actress Sharon Stone and model Nadja Auermann will party the night away at Europe's largest HIV/AIDS charity bash.
More than 4,000 people are expected to join the "Life Ball" in Vienna's historic city hall, featuring appearances of U.S. glam rockers Scissor Sisters and an open air fashion show by designer-duo Heatherette.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton joined Stone on Thursday for a gala dinner at Vienna's imperial palace of Schoenbruenn to pick up a $1 million check for his foundation donated by the ball's organizers and sponsors.
"Aids has become a chronic disease in the western countries," Clinton said ahead of receiving the check. "But this is not the case in many other parts of the world, where thousands are left without drugs -- but we have the money to save these lives."
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the ball initially started as a gay party but has now become a highlight of Austria's ball season and is famous for its sexy and imaginative costumes and frivolous partying.
Designers like Donatella Versace, Moschino and Vivienne Westwood have organized fashion shows during past Life Balls, which were frequented also by singers like Kylie Minogue and Elton John.
Last year's event raised more than 1 million euros ($1.34 million). The money is distributed among projects aimed at fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and supporting those suffering from the disease in Austria as well as the worst affected areas around the globe.
