Palm Beach Social: Dionne Warwick, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger to Be Honored in March

Here we are with the season in full swing, and one of my personal favorite charities is having their third annual event here in Palm Beach on the island: amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, will honor Dionne Warwick and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dionne, a real superstar and someone I have worked with over the years, will be joined by 17-time Grammy-winning artist Sting who will give a special performance at the event.

This incredible evening will take place at the home of event chairs James and Lisa Cohen. Other Palm Beachers Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, John and Amy Phelan, Howard and Michele Kessler, Barry Gibb, and amfAR board co-chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy will join the Cohens as chairs of the event.

It’s a who’s who of Palm Beach with lots of A-Listers and First-Nighters!

I was at the Kesslers’ and the evening was a total stratospheric wow! We see a lot of galas in Palm Beach, but this one is a must-attend! The night includes a cocktail reception, a seated gala dinner, a live auction of exquisite contemporary art and luxury experiences, and award presentations.

In case you don’t remember, Dionne embarked on a remarkable journey of activism that continues to this day. In 1985, she invited Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder to join her in a collaborative rendition of the song “That’s What Friends Are For” as a fundraiser for amfAR, which raised millions of dollars for AIDS research.

My pal Kevin Frost, the CEO of amfAR, told me, “Few in the entertainment community have done as much to support the fight against AIDS as Dionne. And amfAR is so grateful to her for her unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of all people living with HIV. We are thrilled to be able to recognize her decades of generosity and activism by presenting her with amfAR’s Award of Courage.”

Palm Beach philanthropist and activist Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger has supported a range of important social and humanitarian causes including amfAR, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and GLAM4GOOD, a nonprofit that empowers people in need through fashion and beauty. Dee will receive amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award, to be presented by celebrated filmmaker and fashion designer and local Tom Ford.

Last year at the Kesslers’ second annual Palm Beach Gala, award-winning singer and actress Jane Krakowski and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson performed. Actress, comedian and author Jane Lynch was honored. The event raised over $3.5 million for AIDS research.

Tickets are going fast, so take a second and reach out the Kyle Clifford at 917-340-2290! Like last year, I expect it to be sold out, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this glorious evening here in Palm Beach!