AmfAR to Pay Tribute to Natasha Richardson
The Foundation for AIDS Research, or AmfAR, will be honoring the late actress Natasha Richardson on Feb. 10 at its annual gala to kick off New York City’s Fashion Week.
According to People, “Richardson's mother, Vanessa Redgrave, along with Meryl Streep and amfAR founding chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim will take part in the tribute. Redgrave and Natasha’s sister, Joely Richardson, are co-chairs of the event.”
In 2006, Richardson joined amfAR's board of trustees and in 1999 she was instrumental in putting together “Unforgettable: Fashion of the Oscars," an auction of Academy Award gowns that raised more than $1.5 million for AIDS research. Finding the cure for AIDS was a cause that was extremely close to Richardson’s heart because her father, the Oscar-winning British film director Tony Richardson, passed away of AIDS-related causes in 1991.
"Natasha was an eloquent and persuasive spokesperson for amfAR," said chairman of the board Kenneth Cole. "Her unique combination of passion, grace, and intelligence made her the perfect ambassador for the fight against AIDS."
Special performances by Lady Gaga and Canadian singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright will accompany the black-tie dinner and auction.
Richardson died on March 18, 2009 after sustaining a fatal brain injury caused by a fall while skiing on Mount Tremblant, Quebec. She is survived by her husband, actor Liam Neeson, and their two sons, 14-year-old Micheal and 13 year-old Daniel.
