King Charles III has boosted his charity fundraiser with a first appearance at a gala joined by Lionel Richie. The monarch attended The King's Trust Global Gala in New York City on Wednesday, marking his first visit to the event in its five-year history. The black-tie fundraiser, which also featured Anna Wintour and other high-profile guests, raised a record sum exceeding $3 million for the nonprofit that helps young people find work.
Royal Presence Draws Crowds
The buzz surrounding Charles's appearance was evident from the red carpet at Christie's New York auction house. British cosmetics entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury asked Martha Stewart, who wore a sparkling blue dress, if she would tell Charles that she wore 'royal blue just for you.' Natasha Poonawalla, executive director of the Serum Institute of India, noted that 'everyone's been waiting for him.'
'I think the fact that he's here is going to strengthen the presence of the foundation so much more,' Poonawalla said.
Record Fundraising Success
Organizers reported that the arrival of the monarch and Queen Camilla helped boost the fundraising total to over $3 million, a record for the event. The King's Trust aims to establish an endowment for its work in the United Kingdom and deepen its relationships in more than two dozen countries. Charles is wrapping up his first visit to the U.S. since his coronation, a four-day trip celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain and strengthening the countries' relationship.
The King's Trust Impact
The King's Trust has reached 1.5 million people worldwide through its education and employment programs. In brief remarks before dinner, Charles noted that many beneficiaries return to support disadvantaged young people. 'Only now do quite a lot of them actually admit they were started (here),' he joked.
Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue and a co-chair of the gala, described Charles's appearance as the nonprofit's 'glory moment.' 'He's set the example that philanthropy matters,' Enninful said. 'No matter how well you are doing, you're not doing enough unless you're passing it on to a newer generation.'
Intimate Gathering
The event was more intimate than previous years, with just about 160 guests. There were no musical performances; Lionel Richie informed guests he wouldn't be singing, prompting Charles to joke that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer 'must gargle with port.' Other attendees included supermodels Karlie Kloss and Iman, actors Leo Woodall and Meghann Fahy, and designers Donatella Versace and Stella McCartney.
Martha Stewart recalled her own luck building a multi-million-dollar media empire and stressed the importance of helping others find good jobs and education. 'I know today there's a big challenge in getting a good job, a big challenge in getting a good education,' she said. 'And we're here to help those people.'
