The Rocket Fund, a $125 million, three-year initiative to accelerate the Foundation’s lifesaving work to combat HIV infections in vulnerable communities, has been launched by Sir Elton John, global superstar and founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“For years, HIV/AIDS has caused enormous pain across the world, but I pray that soon this epidemic will be a thing of the past” said Sir Elton John. “More than 30 years after I launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation, my passion for reaching everyone, everywhere with education and compassionate care is still as strong as ever. The Rocket Fund will turbo-charge our mission and reach those most at risk from this terrible disease. Now is the time. This epidemic has gone on too long. We must all act together to see AIDS defeated in our lifetimes.”
Globally, HIV/AIDS continues to affect millions of people, and hundreds of thousands of people die from AIDS every year. About 13 percent of the 1.2 million people with HIV in the United States do not know their status and need access to testing. Over 1 million people will have access to HIV prevention and treatment services through the Rocket Fund, including HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, and PrEP treatment.
David Geffen, Tani Austin, David Furnish, and Sir Elton John would like to thank the Rocket Fund co-chairs for their contributions to the Foundation and today’s announcement. A+E Networks, Charlotte Tilbury, David Geffen Foundation, Ford Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Saks Fifth Avenue, Allegra Versace Beck, and The Versace Foundation are the Founding Partners of The Rocket Fund.
Don’t be afraid to let your inner Elton out
The Rocket Fund co-chairs and Sir Elton John are challenging supporters to channel their #InnerElton throughout Pride Month. You can let your #InnerElton out by being true to yourself, showing love for others, and taking compassionate action. #InnerElton supporters are encouraged to share photos of themselves wearing their own take on Elton’s signature looks – or whatever makes them feel their true selves. The #InnerElton movement is attracting many notables, including Dolly Parton, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, JoJo Siwa, Heidi Klum, Smokey Robinson, etc. You can find out more here. Advertising agency Invisible Man created the Let Your Inner Elton Out campaign in partnership with global communications agency BCW.
AIDS was first reported by the Centers for Disease Control on June 5, 1981, the day the Foundation launched this critical initiative. During this first Rocket Day, we are commemorating the beginning of the fight against HIV/AIDS and committing to accelerating progress toward the end of the disease.
“The end of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is within sight, and The Rocket Fund is the push we need to finally cross the horizon,” said David Furnish, Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “To end AIDS, we must make targeted investments that can level the playing field, by tackling the inequalities and stigma that prevent people from accessing the care they desperately need. By joining The Rocket Fund and our mission, you can help transform the future for millions of people globally.”
“As we’ve learned through the global fight to stop COVID-19, epidemics do not recognize state borders, economic or cultural differences. If left unchecked, they only worsen with devastating impacts on the most vulnerable,” said Anne Aslett, Chief Executive Officer of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “It is critical that we meet this moment to connect vulnerable people with the care and resources they need to live vibrant, healthy lives and we welcome all who want to see an end to this disease to join us.”
