The event was intended to raise money for Raising Malawi and UNICEF.  However, some members of media are claiming that this star-studded gala was more about promoting the Kabbalah Centre and the new Gucci store than spotlighting charity. Indeed, CEO of Gucci, Mark Lee, footed the bill for the evening and described it as “a celebration of the fashion house’s new store.” Still, both Madonna and Gucci say the new store had nothing to do with the real purpose of the evening: raising money for charity.

Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez shelled out 10,000 dollars a plate for the gourmet dinner (not veg… in case you care). There was also a silent auction with prizes like: a private soccer game with David Beckam, and dance classes with Madonna. At the end of the evening, the gala raised about 3.7 million dollars which will be split evenly between Raising Malawi and UNICEF.

Here’s what I think: Sure, Gucci was probably wildly excited to get all that great exposure. Sure, Madonna probably had some Kabbalah pamphlets or leaflets or scroll papers or whatever they use on hand at the event. I understand that people are frustrated because it was held at the U.N (which should be a non-biased forum), but it’s not like they were tying the guests up in Gucci scarves and making them chant, Like A Virgin. All they were doing was raising money for a couple great charities-which does generally require some sort of corporate sponsorship. So I say, “You famous people better rock on with your bad, charity-loving selves.”  GO TEAM FAMOUS!!!!!!!!

Beckam reported, “In Sierra Leone, one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday – it’s shocking and tragic especially when the solutions are simple – things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria.” He continued with, “Saving these children’s lives is a top priority for UNICEF and as an ambassador I hope I can help to draw attention to this issue across the world.” While visiting West Africa, Beckam spent time in their health clinic, and of course played soccer and autographed paraphernalia for the kids.

David Beckam (aka, the man my ex-girlfriends wish I was) has worked with UNICEF for over two years to help raise awareness for a plethora of good causes. Now if only he was just a little better at playing soccer.

source: justjared