Colossal Raises Nearly $2 Million for Elton John AIDS Foundation with Style Icon Competition

Colossal's Inaugural Style Icon Competition Raises $1.8 Million

In a remarkable demonstration of creativity and philanthropy, Colossal has raised an impressive $1,871,661 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation through its first-ever Style Icon competition. This competition called on participants from across the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) to showcase their unique fashion aesthetics while contributing to a noble cause.

The winner, Jordi Luke from Cleveland, Ohio, captures the spirit of this endeavor. This innovative initiative was designed to raise funds using a vote-by-donation model, allowing supporters to engage with the competition while contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Launched by Colossal, a trailblazer in purpose-driven competitions, the Style Icon competition set out not just to discover a fashion leader, but to rally individuals behind a meaningful mission.

A Star-Studded Announcement

The competition culminated in a celebration featuring iconic figures such as Elton John himself, David Furnish—CEO of Rocket Entertainment and Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation—and Charlotte Tilbury, a celebrated beauty entrepreneur. Their participation not only elevated the event but also reinforced the core mission: to combat stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS.

Elton John expressed his pride in the competition's impact, stating, "Our Style Icon competition called on fashion visionaries to make their mark while raising lifesaving funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This campaign has been all about using your platform for good while showcasing two of my favorite things: show-stopping style and world-changing impact."

Furnish echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the search was about more than merely finding a trendsetter. He noted that “true style icons use their platform and influence to create meaningful change in the world.”

The Journey of Jordi Luke

Jordi Luke emerged from thousands of participants, earning not just the coveted title of Style Icon but also a cash award of $20,000 along with an editorial feature in Flaunt® Magazine. With a passion for inclusivity and self-expression, Luke embodies the values that Colossal aims to promote. He views fashion as a powerful tool for uplifting communities and fostering a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on the journey, Luke stated, "Darlings, there is so much JOY to be found in glamour! When changemakers, beauty lovers, and fashion icons unite for a cause this powerful… we don't just follow trends — we set them and spark transformation."

Looking Ahead

Colossal aims to build upon this success and inspire future competitions that advocate for impactful change. Updates regarding the allocation of grant funds and the subsequent steps for Luke will be shared to keep supporters informed. The forthcoming Flaunt® Magazine feature and fashion week experience promise to amplify Luke's message of purpose-driven fashion even further.

As Colossal continues to push boundaries in fundraising through creative avenues, the Style Icon competition serves as a beacon of hope and a model for socially conscious initiatives.

For more information on the Elton John AIDS Foundation's impactful work, visit eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org and for more about Colossal’s competitions, check out colossal.org.

Together, we can make a difference, one style icon at a time.