Bill Clinton's Viennese Ball

While transsexual icon Amanda Lepore and naked Lady Fag were parading down the blue carpet at the Fellini-esque Life Ball in Vienna, the crème de la crème of old Viennese society joined founder Gary Keszler in honoring President Clinton at an intimate dinner at the historic Imperial Hotel.

"This is a real, old fashioned black tie event," whispered Maggie Rizer during a private performance by members of the Vienna Philharmonic.

After the concert, in typical Clintonian manner, the empathetic former president warmed the room by bowing to and hugging the lead violinist. The gathering, a coming together of a few passionate philanthropists, focused attention on the real reason behind the celebration -- to raise money for the fight against AIDS.

Fran Drescher, now an American diplomat for women's issues, reminded us that "AIDS is not just a man's disease" and teased Clinton about "putting in a good word with her new boss, Hillary."

Rizer revealed her relationship to the cause: "My dad died of AIDS when I was 14, so being involved in this is very personal to me."

Clinton, whose foundation is a beneficiary of the Life Ball, said, "the Life Ball is like an Internet campaign; with small sums of money they are able to do a tremendous amount."

So, in our culture of hyperbole, what exactly does that mean? According to Keszler, "each drink provides someone with medicine for a month, and each ticket for a year."

PHOTOS:

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Bill Clinton at the Life Ball in Vienna

All photos from Patrick McMullan

Comments

[johnnygoodwud]

for all the $$$$ his foundation takes in, what percentage goes out to help people? when researching foundations, i was surprised how many actually had huge overhead, and gave back so little.

[Amy Dugan]

He does such good things for our world. Check out my Bill Clinton blog
http://adugan-billclintonblog.blogspot.com/

[Levittown]

Bill Clinton has done more for Americas reputation than other ex President. Add to that his world wide concern for the disadvantaged and under fed children earns our applause. President Carter is a close second. Where are the Republicans. Today they are represented by whiners and negativity. They would rather see failure by the Obama administration than progress for America.

[Kit]

I am confused - were there 2 events or just one? I cant tell which President Clinton was at.

In any case, the drinks for life sounds like a fun way to raise money for people who need help.