Sir Elton John to auction first Bentley Continental GT for North America at his 12th Annual Academy Awards? viewing party to raise funds for The Elton John AIDS Foundation

Los Angeles, 11th February 2004

Sir Elton John will host his 12th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Fundraiser to celebrate the 76th Annual Academy Awards? on Sunday, February 29, 2004. Presented by In Style magazine and Bentley Motors, and co-hosted by BroadVoice, the gala celebration is already shaping up to be the premier post-Oscar ? party of the season with stars such as Beck, Seal, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Carmen Electra and Dave Navaro, Michelle Branch and Hilary Duff already confirmed to attend. Adding an unprecedented touch of glamour to the evening's festivities, Bentley Motors will auction off one highly anticipated Bentley Continental GT. This exclusive dinner and post-party will be held at 665 North Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Sir Elton John's annual Academy Awards ? viewing party is the largest fund-raiser on Oscar? night, bringing together the biggest names in entertainment. For one remarkable evening, film and music's elite gather to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Last year, the event amassed $500,000 for the Foundation, which raises international awareness and resources for individuals affected with HIV/AIDS. "Hollywood has embraced this event with enthusiasm for more than a decade. They have shown tremendous support in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Sir Elton John. "Thanks to their continuing support of this hallmark event, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $50 million worldwide for HIV/AIDS prevention programs and services to date."

Guests will arrive at 4:30pm for a cocktail reception followed by a five-course dinner and viewing of the 76th Academy Awards ? telecast. Special event designer, Stanlee Gatti, returns to create yet another spectacular setting for this event. The San Francisco-based designer will transform the tented pavilion into a magical space, infusing unique colors such as lime-green, caf?u-lait and sky blue with a tropical influence.

During the exclusive dinner, Bentley Motors will auction off its Bentley Continental GT for which there is an extensive waiting list in the United States. Honored as "The most beautiful car in the world" at the 2003 Design Awards in Italy and voted "Car of the Year 2004" by Robb Report, the Bentley Continental GT boasts a twin-turbo charged 12 cylinder engine and is considered the fastest four-seat coup?n the world, reaching a top speed of 198mph. Sir Elton John will auction off the sleek coup?a distinguished blend of power and beauty, at the gala celebration whereby the winning bidder will be the first in the country to take delivery this coming spring.

Since its founding in 1919, Bentley Motors has been the epitome of luxurious grand touring cars offering limitless reserves of power to its driver. Bentley is a combination of performance, unique design signatures and a very British sense of self-assured understatement. Once experienced, it is never forgotten. Thanks to the extraordinary talents of the 1,000 craftsmen and women at Bentley Motors in Crewe, England, Bentley is able to offer unlimited opportunities for customers to tailor cars to their own unique specifications. The level of personal choice offered to owners is so great that no two Bentleys are ever the same.

The post-show extravaganza will begin immediately after the Academy Awards ? ceremony and will celebrate the winners and nominees. Reminiscent of last year, Sir Elton John will treat guests to a very special performance during the party, including a duet with a hot new talented musical performer to be announced next week.

Elton John, who serves as its Chairman, established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. With offices in Los Angeles and London, The Foundation is an international non-profit organization that provides funding for prevention education programs and direct patient care services supporting men, women, young adults, children, infants, minorities and entire families living with HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants worldwide.