Originally published May 25, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 25, 2007 at 2:00 AM

Cannes celebs raise $7 million for AIDS research

Sharon Stone played auctioneer, Kylie Minogue and Julian Lennon sang, and Dita Von Teese did a saucy strip routine — all to raise money for AIDS research.

By Angela Doland

The Associated Press

MOUGINS, France — Sharon Stone played auctioneer, Kylie Minogue and Julian Lennon sang, and Dita Von Teese did a saucy strip routine — all to raise money for AIDS research.

An annual benefit soiree on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday raised $7 million for the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Stone played hostess and fast-talking auctioneer throughout the night. When George Clooney came onstage to auction off a yacht vacation, Stone promised a bidder: "If you put up $350,000, George will kiss you."

Clooney went through with it, and he and Stone sold two yacht vacations instead of one for a total of $700,000.

Ivana Trump won a Francesco Vezzoli portrait of Bette Davis for $200,000. Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell joined Stone onstage to auction off a package of fashion show tickets, for $175,000.

Harvey Weinstein spotted Minogue at dinner and pulled her onstage to sing "The Loco-Motion" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head," which raised $300,000.

The MAC Aids Fund, The Weinstein Co. and Bold Films were sponsors of the event.

Lennon closed the party with "Stand by Me."

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