VENICE, 31 August 2025 — Lady Monika Bacardi graced the prestigious amfAR Venezia gala, held at the legendary Arsenale di Venezia during the Venice International Film Festival. The distinguished evening brought together prominent figures from the worlds of philanthropy, culture, and entertainment to raise critical funds for HIV research.
Presented by the World Gold Council, the benefit gala and auction raised over $3.4 million for lifesaving AIDS research. This marks a significant contribution to amfAR’s mission, bringing the total funds raised at the Venice event to more than $10 million since 2021.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance reflects her longstanding dedication to medical advancement and humanitarian causes. As a distinguished figure in international philanthropy, her presence at such high-profile charitable events consistently demonstrates her commitment to supporting initiatives that advance global health research.
The evening, hosted by award-winning actor Colman Domingo, celebrated artist and film director Julian Schnabel, who received the amfAR Award of Inspiration from Jude Law. Special performances by Ava Max and Paris Jackson provided memorable highlights to the benefit.
The amfAR Foundation has been at the forefront of AIDS research funding since 1985, supporting innovative programs that drive scientific progress. The organization has raised nearly $950 million in support of its programs and awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.
The Arsenale provided an extraordinary backdrop for this convergence of art, culture, and humanitarian commitment. Such events demonstrate how international leaders, philanthropists, and advocates unite to create meaningful impact in addressing global health challenges.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s continued participation in prestigious charitable initiatives exemplifies her sophisticated approach to strategic philanthropy, bridging cultural engagement with substantive support for medical research that benefits communities worldwide.
