Inside Sandra Lee’s “Solid” Relationship With Boyfriend Ben Youcef

Another thing on Sandra’s mind this holiday season? Giving back. That’s why the cookbook author is so passionate about Saks Fifth Avenue’s latest partnership Elton John AIDS Foundation, which includes a curated capsule collection and a special event held at the luxury retailer’s Beverly Hills store to raise funds for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

“I have been part of the Elton John AIDS Foundation family for about 15 years. It’s been a long time,” she said. “They’re so giving and loving.”

Praising the nonprofit’s founder Elton John for being “fearless before being fearless was cool,” Sandra said the world “would be a completely different place” had the singer and his husband David Furnish, who serves as the chairman of the charity, not brought attention to the AIDS pandemic and openly supported those affected by the disease.

“Can you imagine if you had something that was that scary, then no one was getting behind you, no one was there to support you and very few people are making your life matter?” she asked. “The despair, I cannot even imagine. I feel so fortunate to be part of not only this board that makes a huge difference, but doing everything I can to make sure that AIDS is eradicated.”

Sandra added, “We’re lucky to have fabulous partners like Saks helping us not only raise funds but also awareness. It’s really important that we all, this holiday season, remember those things.”