Friday, September 6, 2013

Ron Perelman’s Annual Apollo Benefit Raises $3M

For the fourth year in a row, Ron Perelman threw a benefit to raise money for the Apollo Theater, a world-famous historical landmark in Harlem that is rich in history and significance. It is widely considered a centerpiece of African-American culture and achievement, and events like Perelman’s benefit are a large part of what has kept it alive throughout the years.

More than a hundred more people showed up to this year’s party compared to last year, and funds raised soared to an impressive $3 million. No doubt the guest list had something to do with that; it included well-known business tycoons, celebrities, musicians, and even politicians—Marie-Josee and Henry Kravis, Katie Holmes, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Mary Kate Olsen, Lenny Kravitz, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Calvin Klein, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Ciara, Jon Bon Jovi, and Mary J. Blige to name a few.

In what was possibly the biggest party of the year, guests both enjoyed and participated in a variety of musical performances. Katie Holmes, Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Lenny Kravitz, and Pharrell Williams reportedly put on a performance of Williams’ and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” Even Colin Powell got onstage to sing backup for Foxx and Williams on “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk and Williams.  

Dinner was served earlier in the evening, with guests enjoying a variety of food, from fried chicken to salmon to tomato salad to miniature strawberries. The party didn’t wind down until the wee hours of the morning, after all performances had been had and all desserts had been eaten.

Until next year, Mr. Perelman.

Image: Begoña V. via Flickr CC
Image: David Sherret via Flickr CC 

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