The Shawn Carter Foundation, founded by hip-hop billionaire Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, is set to host The Shawn Carter Foundation Gala Weekend on Nov. 15-16, 2019, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. As the organization’s sole fundraiser of the year, this weekend will consist of a blackjack tournament experience, a black-tie gala, silent and live auctions, in addition to a performance by Grammy Award-winning icon Alicia Keys, and other special events, all in the name of supporting deserving scholars.
“Equipping our youth with the tools to succeed will always be a priority for me and my family,” said Jay-Z in a statement, according to Billboard. “I’m looking forward to continuing that mission at this year’s Shawn Carter Foundation Gala Weekend, where we’ll celebrate our scholars and continue to support young people in a meaningful way.”
Excited to announce 15X Grammy Award winning icon @AliciaKeys for an exclusive, one-night only performance on November 16th to benefit the Shawn Carter Foundation. The @hardrockholly pre-sale starts tomorrow, October 4 at 10 am ET, followed by the public on-sale on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/louK5JsYjx
— ShawnCarterSF (@ShawnCarterSF) October 3, 2019
The Shawn Carter Foundation was founded as a public charity in 2003 by Gloria Carter and her son, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. The Foundation supports initiatives to empower youth and communities in need through the Foundation’s programs: Scholarship Fund, College Prep and Exposure, International Exposure, Professional Development, Scholar Support, and Community & Goodwill Programs. In April, Jay-Z announced a partnership with Toyota for the Shawn Carter Foundation annual black college bus tour. The program gives students the opportunity to visit several historically black colleges and universities around the country. You can find out more information about The Shawn Carter Foundation on its website.
Although Jay-Z earned $81 million and was crowned as hip-hop’s first billionaire earlier this year, he still wound up in second place behind his mentee and “younger brother” Kanye West. Earlier this year, the NFL announced a long-term partnership with Roc Nation, Carter’s sports and entertainment agency, as the league’s official Live Music Entertainment Strategists. The partnership, which went into effect at the start of the 2019-20 season, will serve to strengthen community through music and the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.