Rihanna is planning for her first annual Diamond Ball benefiting the Clara Lionel Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Rihanna herself.
“One of the greatest benefits of my job was being able to start the Clara Lionel Foundation in honor of my grandparents,” the Grammy Award-winning singer said in a statement to ESSENCE. “There is truly nothing I’m more proud of and we’ve just gotten started.”
The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) was started in 2012 by the singer in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF’s mission is to fund efforts that promote health, education, arts and culture on a global scale. Rihanna herself has been acting as a humanitarian since the age of 17, raising tens of millions of dollars for charitable causes.
The Diamond Ball will host about 600 guests from entertainers to business executives to celebrities and philanthropists. The Ball will take place at The Vineyard, a private enclave in Beverly Hills, and will include dinner, a live auction, and an intimate performance by Rihanna accompanied by a live orchestra.
“I’m excited to continue my work and thrilled to be able to host the Diamond Ball, a night that promises to be elegant and inspirational,” Rihanna said.