Glamour & Giving: Inside the 2025 amfAR Gala Cannes Auction

 

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the 31st annual amfAR Gala Cannes returns to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, promising another unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and impact. Set against the glittering backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, this celebrated black-tie affair blends star power with purpose, raising vital funds for AIDS research.

A Night of Stars and Purpose

Hosted by the acclaimed actress and activist Taraji P. Henson, the evening will shine with A-list energy and charitable spirit. The iconic British band Duran Duran will headline, treating guests to an exclusive live performance ahead of their upcoming European tour.

Auction Highlights: Art, Adventure & Iconic Luxury

The evening’s heart is the much-anticipated live auction, featuring rare and luxurious offerings:

• George Condo’s “Smiling Goddess” (2025): A striking new piece by the influential contemporary artist.

• Chris Levine Portrait Sitting: A one-of-a-kind opportunity to be photographed by the artist behind the renowned portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

• Fast X Hero Car: The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody driven by Vin Diesel in Fast X.

• Miavana Private Island Adventure: An extravagant helicopter expedition for eight to Madagascar, courtesy of Cookson Adventures.

• Amanzoe Villa 20 Experience: A lavish four-night getaway to Greece’s premier Aman villa, complete with private helicopter transfers, gourmet cuisine, and access to a secluded beach club—valued at €350,000.

Advance bids will be accepted through 12:00 p.m. CEST on May 22, 2025. For more details or to place a bid, contact auction@amfar.org.

Couture with a Cause

Fashion takes center stage with the “From Cannes With Love” runway show, curated by fashion icon Carine Roitfeld. The show will spotlight designs from top fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus, and Balenciaga, marrying style with solidarity.

Fueling the Fight Against AIDS

Since 1993, the amfAR Gala Cannes has raised more than $297 million for groundbreaking AIDS research around the globe. In 2024 alone, the gala brought in $16 million, a testament to the continued generosity and commitment of its supporters.

Join the Celebration

Ticket and table options cater to a variety of patrons, with individual seats starting at €20,822 and premium tables reaching €356,940. Attendees will enjoy seaside cocktails, gourmet dining, standout performances, and a legendary after-party to cap off the night.

To learn more or reserve your place at one of the year’s most iconic philanthropic events, visit the official amfAR Gala Cannes 2025 page.

The Staggering Stats Behind the Monaco F1 Grand Prix

 

Each May, the glamorous Principality of Monaco—just 2.1 square kilometers in size—transforms into the pulsating heart of the motorsport universe, hosting one of Formula 1’s most iconic events: the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite having a population of just 38,000, Monaco welcomes an astonishing 300,000 visitors over the four-day spectacle—nearly eight visitors for every resident.

The race weekend is more than just a sporting event; it's a global phenomenon. Celebrities, royalty, billionaires, and influencers descend on the city-state, turning the harbor into a floating palace of luxury yachts and the streets into a catwalk of elite fashion and glamour. An estimated 100 private jets land at nearby airports, while the port accommodates over 100 superyachts, many chartered for upwards of €500,000 for the weekend.

The Engineering and Logistical Marvel

Staging the Monaco Grand Prix is a feat of engineering and coordination. Over 3,000 personnel are involved in the event’s execution, including:

• 750 race marshals

• 700 police and security officers

• 80 medics and paramedics

• 30+ fire and rescue specialists

Preparations begin six weeks in advance, as nearly 200 workers across 60 companies construct the temporary street circuit. The setup includes:

• Over 1,100 tons of grandstands seating more than 37,000 spectators

• 22 kilometers of safety barriers

• 33,000 square meters of fencing

• 500+ concrete blocks

• 12 cranes positioned around the circuit for rapid car recovery

The narrow, 3.337-kilometer (2.074-mile) track requires surgical precision from drivers, with 78 laps totaling 260 kilometers (161.5 miles) of intense concentration through tight corners and tunnel sections.

A Global Broadcast Behemoth

The Monaco Grand Prix is broadcast in over 80 countries, with a cumulative global TV audience surpassing 1 billion viewers across the weekend. In 2023, Formula 1's digital platforms also recorded over 60 million video views and 15 million social media engagements tied to the Monaco race alone.

Economic Windfall for Monaco

The economic boost to Monaco during the Grand Prix is unparalleled. Hotel prices soar by 350%–450%, with rooms that typically cost €500 jumping to over €2,500 per night. Occupancy rates hit 100%, and some luxury hotels generate up to 30% of their annual revenue during this single weekend.

Beyond hotels, Monaco’s restaurants, casinos, and boutiques report record sales. The race also fuels a thriving secondary hospitality market:

• Balcony and rooftop access: €1,000–€3,000 per person per day

• Superyacht viewing spots: €2,000–€5,000 per person per day

• Private yacht charters: Up to €750,000 for the weekend

The Prestige Factor

More than just a race, the Monaco Grand Prix is a global marketing engine. It enhances the Principality’s luxury brand image, enticing future tourism and real estate interest. Studies suggest that the media exposure Monaco receives during the event would cost over €100 million to replicate through conventional advertising.

Monaco and Formula 1: Where Racing Legends Build Their Lives Beyond the Track

As the countdown to the Monaco Grand Prix begins, the Principality once again prepares to transform nearly 10% of its territory into Formula 1’s most iconic street circuit. But beyond the roaring engines and glitz of race weekend, Monaco serves as much more than a racing venue — it’s a hub of residence, investment, and philanthropy for many F1 drivers, past and present.

Monaco: Home to F1’s Elite

Monaco isn’t just a place where drivers race — it’s where many of them live, build businesses, and give back to the community. The tiny state, with a population of around 38,400, boasts the highest concentration of Formula 1 drivers on Earth. In fact, about one in every 3,200 residents is a current F1 driver.

At least 12 current F1 stars call Monaco home, including local hero Charles Leclerc, and reportedly Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo, Alex Albon, Valtteri Bottas, and Nico Hülkenberg (as cited by Condé Nast, HELLO! Magazine, The Standard UK, and others).

Retired legends who have lived or invested in Monaco include David Coulthard, Thierry Boutsen, Jenson Button, Mika Häkkinen, Nico Rosberg, Mark Webber, Paul di Resta, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Daniil Kvyat — many of whom maintain deep ties with the Principality.

 Life Beyond the Circuit: Business and Innovation

Collectively, these drivers hold a combined net worth estimated at nearly €1 billion (Forbes), and many are channeling their earnings into ventures rooted in or managed from Monaco. Here’s a look at how some of them are shaping the Principality through entrepreneurship:

• Charles Leclerc has launched LEC, a Monaco-based artisanal ice cream brand.

• Thierry Boutsen runs Boutsen Aviation, a firm specializing in private jet sales, employing an entire team of former pilots.

• Lewis Hamilton is deeply involved in sustainability, green tech, and fashion — many of these initiatives are tied to Monaco in operations or influence.

• David Coulthard was a former owner of the Columbus Hotel in Monte Carlo.

• Lando Norris founded Quadrant, a gaming and lifestyle brand, which has operations partly based in Monaco.

• Nico Rosberg co-founded the GREENTECH FESTIVAL and is an active venture capitalist focused on sustainability from his Monaco base.

• Max Verstappen has interests in brand partnerships and e-sports, aligning his competitive spirit with digital innovation.

Giving Back: A Culture of Philanthropy

Beyond business, many F1 drivers play a vital role in Monaco’s philanthropic landscape. Several are ambassadors for local causes and actively support community initiatives.

Charles Leclerc, Mika Häkkinen, and Valtteri Bottas, for example, serve as ambassadors for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, participating in campaigns that promote youth empowerment and water safety.

More Than a Race — A Way of Life

For many F1 professionals, the Monaco Grand Prix is not the end goal but part of a larger lifestyle rooted in wealth management, innovation, and community engagement. Monaco is where their careers on the track meet legacies built off it — in boardrooms, foundations, and across industries.

So as the engines fire up and the streets of Monte Carlo echo with the thrill of the Grand Prix, remember: the finish line here often marks the start of a new chapter for Formula 1’s brightest stars.

PrideNomad: LGBTQ+ Life on the French Riviera

 

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a friend, Ken Krell, whom I hadn’t seen in well over a decade—since he visited my hometown of Vancouver. After a few email exchanges, I learned that Ken has launched an exciting venture called PrideNomad.

PrideNomad is a multifaceted initiative that empowers LGBTQ+ individuals to live a location-independent lifestyle. Knowing Ken’s long-standing passion for travel—he’s been a digital nomad for over 15 years—it makes perfect sense that he would create a platform like this. PrideNomad provides a wealth of resources specifically tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ digital nomads and remote workers.

Given my own side project managing Gay French Riviera, Ken suggested we collaborate on a podcast for the PrideNomad community. So, back in early February, despite the time difference with him based in Miami, we set up a time for a fun and engaging conversation.

 

During the podcast, we chatted about everyday life here in the French Riviera, how open and welcoming the LGBTQ+ community is in this part of the world, and even a few stories from my past—including my time managing bathhouses in Canada to now working in luxury real estate across the Côte d’Azur.

If you're considering stepping into the world of location independence, PrideNomad offers a robust platform to help you get started. From weekly updates and practical advice to a global LGBTQ+ travel directory and exclusive perks, it’s a valuable resource. The platform features:

• Access to LGBTQ+-friendly destinations
  

• Curated tours and travel deals
  

• Real-time local event updates
  

• Information on safe and inclusive workspaces

Whether you're just beginning to explore remote work or already living the nomadic life, PrideNomad is a powerful community-driven resource to help guide your journey.

Follow PrideNomad through the links provided and stay informed on all their latest offerings.

And in the meantime, feel free to check out our newly released podcast episode on Spotify—it’s a lighthearted and informative listen that we hope you'll enjoy.