SF Oscar fundraiser raises AIDS awareness

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The biggest Oscar party outside of Hollywood is in San Francisco, and it's also a major fundraiser for HIV and AIDS organizations.

About 2,000 people came to celebrate Oscar's night. This night proves San Francisco can show Hollywood a thing or two when it comes to glitz and glamour.

The gala was a tribute called "Behind the Seams: Fashion in Film," in that vein women and men strutted their stuff at this big night -- enough to turn heads.

San Francisco fashion designer Jay Sario was the winner on last week's "Project Runway" show.

"I think it is about time San Francisco is taken as a fashion place, because no one has taken fashion here seriously," he said.

But this was more than about looking good, there was a reaction of silent lack of surprise when "The Hurt Locker" won best picture. But roaring applause for Mo'Nique's win for best supporting actress and a little hometown pride when Emeryville's Pixar won for best animated film with "Up."

"It's great to have someone from the Bay Area recognized and honored tonight," said a gala guest.

For all the fun this is a serious event. The Academy of Friends is dedicated to raising money and awareness about HIV/AIDS and this is their 30th year.

"For us it's a bittersweet moment acknowledging that since our founding 30 years ago that HIV and AIDS is still impacting our community," J. Douglas Piper from the Academy of Friends said.

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AIDS, academy awards, award shows, los angeles, celebrity, oscars, don sanchez

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