First Bentley Continental GT for North America sold for $400,000 at Sir Elton John's 12th Annual Academy Awards® Viewing Party to Raise Funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation

Los Angeles, 1st March 2004

Sir Elton John hosted 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 was the premier post-Oscars® party of the season featuring a special performance by Sir Elton John and 17 year-old phenomenon Joss Stone. The exclusive dinner and post-party was held at 665 North Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Adding an unprecedented touch of glamour to the evening's festivities, Bentley Motors auctioned off one highly anticipated Bentley Continental GT, which sold for $400,000.

Alabama native Joe Blount was the distinguished winner of the sleek coupe for $400,000 for which there is an extensive waiting list in the United States.

Voted 'Car of the Year' by the Robb Report, the Bentley Continental GT boasts a twin-turbo charged 12 cylinder, grand tourer engine and is considered the fastest four-seat coupe in the world, reaching a top speed of 198mph.

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. In attendance were Sir Ben Kingsley, Robin Williams, Donald Trump, Sting, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Ted Turner, Tony Bennett, Sir Ian McKellan, Marcia Gay Harden, Elvis Costello, Natasha Henstridge, Molly Sims, Andre 3000 (Outkast), Phil Collins, LL Cool J, Natalie Cole, Rebecca Romijn and John Stamos, Nia Vardalos, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, The Osbournes, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Carson Kressley, Amber Valetta, Nick Stahl, Elizabeth Banks, Francis Fisher, Dule Hill, Prince, Anne Hathaway, John Waters, Gavin McGregor, Paulina Rubio, Tim Allen, Lance Bass, Christina Applegate, Michelle Branch, David Spade, among others.

This year, the event amassed over $1 million for the Foundation, which raises international awareness and resources for individuals affected with HIV/AIDS.

Guests arrived 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, created yet another spectacular setting for the event. The San Francisco-based designer transformed the tented pavilion into a magical space, infusing unique colors such as lime-green, cafe-au-lait and sky blue with a tropical influence.

The post-show extravaganza began immediately after the Academy Awards® ceremony and celebrated the winners and nominees. Sir Elton John treated guests to a very special performance during the party, including a duet with 17 year-old singing sensation Joss Stone.