Since 1998, amfAR’s New York Gala has been one of New York City’s most successful and high-profile AIDS benefits. The gala has raised nearly $13 million in support of amfAR’s programs.

As for last 15 years, the amfAR Gala will host the official ribbon-cutting kick-off of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, marking the start of the Fall 2013 Collections.

This year, amfAR will honor the Chairman of the Board of amfAR, designer Kenneth Cole, legendary performer and amfAR Ambassador Janet Jackson, and supermodel Heidi Klum, for their contributions to the global struggle against HIV/AIDS.

The black tie benefit will be held at Cipriani Wall Street, and will feature a special performance by Grammy-winning recording artist CeeLo Green.

The New York Gala will kick off fashion week with a black tie gala dinner, live auction, honoree tributes, and a performance by CeeLo Green.

Chairs of the event include Kevin Huvane, Sarah Jessica Parker, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, Harry Belafonte, David Bowie and Iman, Kim Cattrall, Andy Cohen, Maria Cuomo Cole, Neil Cole, John Demsey, Martin Franklin, Anne Fulenwider, Nina Garcia, Milutin Gatsby, Whoopi Goldberg, Tommy & Dee Hilfiger, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Donna Karan, Dr. Mathilde Krim, David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren, Cindi Leive, Terry J. Lundgren, Steve Madden, Liza Minnelli, Vincent Roberti, Carine Roitfeld, Andrew Rosen, Lorraine Schwartz, Diana Taylor, Stanley Tucci, Edward Walson, and Harvey Weinstein.