JAY-Z's inaugural Shawn Carter Foundation Gala was a success.
Throughout the weekend, Hov was able to raise $6 million for his charity. Entertainers like Tyler Perry, Fat Joe, Meek Mill, and more flooded into the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida for the event where guests sipped on D’USSE Cognac and tried their hand at the casino tables.
The Gala first started to make headlines when it was revealed how Hov was inviting his VIP guests. Meek Mill and Swizz Beatz showed off the Daytona Rolex and bottle of Ace of Spade Champagne that accompanied the invite on Instagram. The Gala was also highlighted by a performance from Alicia Keys that was described by the hotel as "an intimate one-time-only performance to benefit The Shawn Carter Foundation."
Of course, the foundation wouldn't host the event at a casino and not put the tables to use. Jigga hosted a blackjack tournament with a $100,000 buy-in for all the players. The winner reportedly got to take home a $500,000 jackpot while the rest of the wagers went to the charity. Technology entrepreneur Marcelo Claure won, edging out JAY-Z and Yo Gott.
Proceeds from the evening went to supplement The Shawn Carter Foundation. JAY-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, created this foundation in 2003 to provide low-income students with scholarships, study abroad opportunities, college workshops, and more.
