Kiehl's 2018 LifeRide for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, has raised 150,000, which will help fund the research of Gabriel Ozorowski, Ph.D., a staff scientist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA.

The five-day charity motorcycle ride began in Los Angeles, CA, on August 6 and culminated in San Diego on August 10, stopping for several high-profile events at Kiehl's stores along the way.

Consumers can help raise more funds by purchasing Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve -- in its limited edition 'LifeRide' packaging, a vibrantly decorated red tube that says "The Cure is in Your Hands." One-hundred-percent of the purchase price, up to $25,000, will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research to help fight HIV/AIDS, through March 31, 2019.

Kiehl's former president, Chris Salgardo, is holding the check in the photo above. Salgardo stepped down from his 10-year-plus role at the company last year, but is partnering to represent the brand at charitable initiatives and community events as a brand ambassador. 

Actress Laura Meakin (shown in the photo on the right above, far left) was one of several celebrities who participated this year. (This video interview features with amfAR's president Kevin Robert Frost with long-time supporter actor Gilles Marini. (Marini is  also shown in the photo above on the right, top row, far right.) Michael Jackson's son, Prince Jackson was also in attendance.)

amfAR's CEO Kevin Robert Frost says, "We are thankful for Kiehl's longstanding support...The only way out of this epidemic is through research, and it is vital that we continue to support the work of young scientists such as Dr. Ozorowski who are dedicating their careers to improving the lives of millions of people living with HIV."

Since 2010, Kiehl's has generously raised more than $1.9 million for amfAR, funding ten cure-related research projects, and since 2001, the company has raised a total of approximately $4,000,000 for HIV/AIDS organizations including amfAR.

About Dr. Ozorowski's Research

Dr. Ozorowski is a 2017 recipient of amfAR's Mathilde Krim Fellowships in Basic Biomedical Research, an annual research initiative that supports bright young scientists seeking innovative solutions to HIV/AIDS. For his project, he is applying an innovative technique called cryo-EM in the search for new antiretroviral drugs in a class called fusion inhibitors. Only one fusion inhibitor – initially characterized by amfAR-funded researcher Dr. Carl Wild – has ever been approved for use.

Dr. Ozorowski, who attended the Kiehl's LifeRide for amfAR finale event in San Diego, says, "Meeting the riders and learning about their commitment to the cause was truly inspirational, and I'm glad I was a part of this important event that continues to raise HIV/AIDS awareness every year..."I'm grateful to amfAR and Kiehl's for being chosen as this year's LifeRide grant recipient.'

Kiehl's new president, Megan Grant, adds, "As a New York-based company that began in the East Village, Kiehl's found itself in the middle of the AIDS crisis since its emergence, and since then, we've been a strong supporter of HIV/AIDS organizations, and a long-time partner of amfAR. It is our honor to continue to support amfAR, and scientists like Dr. Ozorowski, who are leading us all to a world without HIV."

Photos: (L) Kiehl's limited edition packaging for its Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, featured on Instagram/Kiehls; (R) Kiehl's former president Chris Salgardo holding a giant-size check, far right, with supports including actress Laura Meakin, far left, and Gilles Marini, on the far right, top row.