The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), founded by Robyn Rihanna Fenty, held its fourth annual Diamond Ball on Thursday night at Cipriani Wall Street. Hosted by the Golden Globe and Emmy nominated creator and star of HBO's Insecure, Issa Rae, the event featured a performance by Grammy award-winning artist Childish Gambino and a special appearance by Seth Meyers and set by DJ Mustard. Global Citizen’s CEO Hugh Evans received the 2018 Diamond Ball Award for his humanitarian efforts that have mobilized millions to help end extreme poverty, climate change and gender inequality around the world. The black-tie benefit raised nearly $6 million to support CLF’s global education, health and emergency response programs around the world. Guests included Tiffany Haddish, Seth Meyers, Trevor Noah, Jack Dorsey, Gayle King, A$AP Rocky, Gucci Mane, Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, Fabolous, Gayle King, Meek Mill, Nipsey Hussle, Skylar Diggins and Justine Skye among many others.
“Clara and Lionel are my grandparents who have instilled in me the importance of giving back,” said Rihanna at the 2018 Diamond Ball. “So to be able to raise funds for global education, health and emergency response programs around the world at this magnitude is an ode to them and our greatest achievement.”
Earlier this year, CLF launched a $25 million emergency response philanthropic fund in an effort to change the disaster response model from reactionary to proactive. The new fund is structured to provide emergency solutions and supplies including prearranged access to food and water, generators, temporary shelters, and hygiene products as well as issue grants to relief organizations within 48-hours of a disaster. Last night CLF announced plans to donate the first $1M to the fund and intends to cover all overhead costs so every dollar raised goes towards future relief efforts and preparedness. Executive Director Justine Lucas also announced last night that CLF is committed to raising all $25 million by next year’s Diamond Ball.
Since its inception, CLF has partnered with emergency responders to provide immediate and long-term assistance following Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico. Through its emergency response programs, CLF is helping the nearly 26 million people impoverished by natural disasters each year to recover quickly and sustainably after a disaster hits, donating 735,025 supplies and reaching approximately 275,127 people in the last two years alone.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed prestige Rosé Champagne from Armand de Brignac, poured from striking, rare metal-coated jeroboam bottles. At the request of Tiffany Haddish, Childish Gambino sang summer hit “This is America” as she danced in the crowd. And during an exciting live auction, which was co-hosted by Seth Meyers, one lucky bidder won an all-new Audi e-tron, the first ever in the United States. Sponsors for the special evening included Puma, Live Nation, The Chris & Loretta Stadler Family Foundation, Mark Scheinberg, The Butter Group and Audi of America.
