Bajan pop diva Rihanna threw her first annual charity ball entitled “The Diamond Ball” last night at “The Vineyard” in Beverly Hills. The event benefited The Clara Lionel Foundation which works to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, education, arts and culture. Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in 2012, in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Brathwaite. Rihanna has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable causes and has personally donated close to $2M of her own earnings. The Bajan born singer is remarkable and inspiring legacy of service to others will continue in the mission, programs, and partnerships of the Clara Lionel Foundation.
The Clara Brathwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine is a cancer treatment facility for patients in Barbados that provides quality care for those in need. This charity is close to Rihanna’s heart as her grandmother Clara affectionately known as Dolly was diagnosed with cancer and passed a few years ago. To raise money for the charity items such as a meet and greet with Rihanna, a meet and greet with Kanye and a VIP concert experience to name few were being auctioned off.
The star studded gala had many high profile guests who came out to show their support. The MC for the night was Jimmy Kimmel and the handsome Brad Pitt introduced the headliner performance to the stage Madam Riri! What would a festivity be without the sighting of a Kardashian or two? Kim K was on deck with her mom Kris Jenner. Kim wore low cut see through mesh dress which she sported a body suit underneath and a long blazer. Adrienne Bailon from the talk show “The Real” singer/actor Tyrese Gibson, actress Tia Mowry-Hardrict, actress/producer Salma Hayek and rapper Big Sean (who gave a special guest performance) were just a few of the many celebrities in attendance as well as her family members.
Rihanna performed with a full orchestra and looked amazing in her black strapless ball gown. Her red carpet look was my favorite, a rose colored satin gown designed by Zac Posen. All in all it was a great night for a wonderful cause!
