Rihanna’s 3rd Annual Diamond Ball Raises Over $5 Million to Benefit the Clara Lionel Foundatio

The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), founded by Robyn Rihanna Fenty, held its third annual Diamond Ball on Thursday night at Cipriani Wall Street. Hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, the benefit raised over $5 million to support CLF’s global education, health and emergency response programs around the world. The evening featured high-energy performances by Grammy Award-winning recording artists Kendrick Lamar and Calvin Harris. The all-star guest list included Jay Z, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lil Kim, Trevor Noah, Future, Fabolous, Young Thug, Victor Cruz, Emily Ratajkowski and Cardi B among many others who danced throughout the evening.

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Clara Lionel Foundation)

“I am thrilled to bring the Diamond Ball to New York City and bring everyone closer to the mission, the partnerships, the programs and the people at the heart of it all,” said Rihanna at the 2017 Diamond Ball. “Together, we are funding groundbreaking and effective global education, health and emergency response programs. We are investing in the future and helping to improve the quality of life for young people and their families around the globe.”

The Clara Lionel Foundation announced a new partnership with the international nonprofit, The Campaign for Female Education (Camfed), and the bike sharing platform, ofo, to fund scholarships to send 7,500 girls to secondary school in Malawi. Camfed invests in girls in the poorest rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership will support students through school and help transition them into employment and lives as entrepreneurs and community leaders.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Clara Lionel Foundation)

CLF recognized global education trailblazer, Angeline Murimirwa as the recipient of the 2017 Diamond Ball Award. Murimirwa is the Regional Executive Director for Camfed’s programs in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana and Malawi and co-founded the nonprofit’s 100,000 member alumnae association.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Clara Lionel Foundation)

“I want to thank Rihanna and the Clara Lionel Foundation for recognizing and celebrating my work,” said Angeline Murimirwa. “I accept this award on behalf of 100,000 Camfed Alumnae members – young women who like me – without Camfed’s financial support would never have had the chance to go to school. They are my sisters and together we are educating the next generation.”

The evening was generously sponsored by Chopard, The Diamond Ball’s first-ever presenting partner, along with Live Nation, Ofo, The Stadler Family, Oilers Entertainment Group Services, Ltd., Critical Mass, Roc Nation, Human and Picture Motion, Universal Music Group, StubHub, Kendo Brands, Puma, and Dior.

Check out more photos from the Diamond Ball below.

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