THE AMSTERDAM DINNER RAISES A RECORD 1.5M IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV
words by FRANCESCO PIZZUTI
On Sunday, June 14, the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation hosted its annual fundraising dinner, marking its 32nd edition. This year, AFAS Live filled up with prominent national and international guests from the world of art, media, politics, HIV research, business, as well as members of the Dutch Royal Family, all united to raise funds for the global fight against HIV and AIDS — and funds they raised! An astonishing €1.542.800 to be precise; the highest amount ever raised in the event’s 34-year history.
photo credit: NICO ALSEMGEEST
As always, the night unfolded around a precise theme. This year’s “The Enchanted Forest – We Can Be Heroes” emphasised the power of resilience, connection, solidarity, and consciousness. Guests reflected on the impact of HIV from a plethora of perspectives; whether through science, personal stories, or art, they shed light on the matter in profoundly human and felt ways.
Chairman Roel Veltmijer opened the night by explaining why such an event remains so important. While the widely known AIDS plague of the 80s has been over for a long time, more than 40 million people worldwide are still living with HIV, and approximately 1.3 million new infections occur every year. These statistics relate to a way larger problem still persisting, revolving around stigma, inequality, difficulty accessing healthcare, as well as mental health challenges.
from left to right: GRAVIN LUANA VAN ORANJE-NASSAU, PRINSES MABEL VAN ORANJE-NASSAU, GRAVIN ZARIA VAN ORANJE-NASSAU, ENVY PERU, BAASTIAAN VAN SCHAIK, VICTORIA KOBLENKO
photo credit: CHANTALLE LAURENT
Later in the evening, with incredible strength and courage, four Dutch young adults aged 18 to 26, all living with HIV, shared their personal stories on stage with more than 1,000 guests.
Testimonies like this are essential for educating and creating a future free of stigma. Truly a gift.
Importantly, the evening also addressed the consequences of cuts to U.S. funding for international HIV programs and the impact of discriminatory legislation in some countries. These developments threaten access to life-saving HIV care for millions of people worldwide, particularly children.
from left to right: GIA BAB and ALEJANDRO ZWARTENDIJK
photo credit: NICO ALSEMGEEST
On a positive note, however, attention was also given to pioneering HIV cure research at Amsterdam UMC, which is developing a promising new approach to cure the disease.
While we hope for a future in which this dinner won’t be necessary anymore, for now, these initiatives are crucial to continuing conversations like this, especially in times of silence and uncertainty. To continue helping others, connecting, and listening to people. Because the only way to break stigmas is to strengthen human-to-human connection by spotlighting the experiences and voices of those who have long been forced to the margins.
