Charlize Theron to Attend amfAR’s 2026 Dallas Gala

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On Saturday, October 24, the Preston Hollow home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby may just be the hottest ticket in town. The power couple will host amfAR’s second annual Dallas benefit gala, a keystone event for the leading nonprofit focused on raising funds for the organization’s HIV cure research and efforts to improve global health.

Serving as a catalyst for breakthrough science, amfAR supports innovative research in areas where viruses and the immune system play a defining role, including cancer, neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and other viral diseases. Through strategic investments, global research partnerships, and evidence-based policy leadership, amfAR helps accelerate discoveries that improve health and save lives. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,900 grants to scientists worldwide.

A Night to Remember

The second annual amfAR gala won’t be like every other fundraiser this fall.  With musical performances, cocktails, a black-tie dinner, and a live auction of luxury goods, one-of-a-kind experiences, and contemporary art, it’s sure to be an incredible night for an even more incredible cause. And one full of inspiration, recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty. The event will honor both Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron with the Award of Inspiration and AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey with the Philanthropic Leadership Award.

About Charlize Theron’s Inspiring Work

Charlize Theron is recognized for her humanitarian work as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and the founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which strengthens the health and safety of youth in Southern Africa. CTAOP partners with community-based organizations to support sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and the fight against gender-based violence. 

To date, CTAOP-supported programs have reached over 4.8 million youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and CTAOP launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to combat gender-based violence and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity. 

Despite enormous progress over the last 40 years, ending AIDS remains an important goal. Effective treatments, many developed with the help of amfAR’s groundbreaking research, have rendered HIV a manageable condition for millions worldwide. But nearly 10 million people living with HIV still do not have access to lifesaving medication, including nearly 600,000 children. In the U.S., Southern states have the highest HIV rates in the country, accounting for more than half of new HIV diagnoses nationwide.

How John Stankey is Bringing Change

Under John Stankey’s leadership, AT&T has made significant progress on connecting more people to greater possibilities. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has dedicated the company’s philanthropic investments and tens of thousands of employee volunteer hours each year to help more people access essential resources like telehealth, educational tools, job applications and resources, and banking and financial services.

By focusing on access, affordability, and adoption, the company has made significant strides under his leadership to help narrow the digital divide, the gap between those with internet access and the tools to use it and those without. In 2024, AT&T pledged $5 billion by 2030 to help 25 million people get and stay connected to affordable, high-speed access and digital resources. As part of this commitment, AT&T has launched 100 Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) in collaboration with national and local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Goodwill, and YMCA of the USA. CLCs provide free internet access, state-of- the-art technology, digital literacy tools, and hands-on coaching across a variety of subjects, including email and internet basics, identifying online fraud, and protecting your privacy online. They serve over 200,000 people monthly.

“John Stankey is a powerful example of a business leader who understands that meaningful progress begins by connecting people to greater opportunities,” says amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford. “Under his leadership, AT&T has expanded access to affordable, high-speed internet and digital resources, helping millions of people access essential health care services, educational tools, and new possibilities. We are proud to recognize AT&T’s commitment in building Connected Learning Centers (CLCs) across 25 states that bring technology and training to strengthen underserved communities and help local residents access online education and tools.”

From an incredible event experience to recognizing the efforts of so many changemakers and influencers, amfAR 2026 will be one of the biggest social events of the fall season. Tickets and tables for the amfAR Gala 2026 are now available.