Megan Thee Stallion raises $1.2M at first Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala
Megan Thee Stallion Raises $1.2M at Gala Honoring Family and Uplifting Communities
On July 16, 2025, Megan Thee Stallion hosted her first-ever Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City—raising an impressive $1.2 million for underserved communities. The black-tie affair paid tribute to her late parents, Joseph Pete III and Holly Thomas, whose legacy inspired Megan to launch the nonprofit in their honor.
The evening blended star power and social impact, drawing guests like Taraji P. Henson, Muni Long, and Klay Thompson. Through generous donations and celebrity-driven auctions, the gala helped fund the foundation’s mission to support women, children, seniors, and those in need.
Below, we dive into the foundation’s work, the event’s highlights, and how celebrity-driven philanthropy is reshaping charitable giving.
The Pete & Thomas Foundation: Building a Legacy of Support
Founded in 2022, the Pete & Thomas Foundation is a tribute to the values Megan learned from her parents: resilience, generosity, and community care. The organization focuses on education, housing, health, and wellness programs, with an emphasis on uplifting underserved populations.
In 2024 alone, the foundation helped over 8,600 individuals through initiatives like the Emergency Power Program, the Hottie Walk in L.A., and the national Megan Thee Stallion Day of service.
At the gala, high-profile supporters made notable donations, including:
- Klay Thompson: $50,000 for two Super Bowl LX tickets
- Lil Uzi Vert: $30,000 for a custom Eliantte bracelet
- Fat Joe: $26,000 for a private dinner at Melba’s Restaurant
Megan emphasized her hands-on approach, telling VIBE, “If you talk about it, you gotta be about it.” That drive to lead by example is embedded in the foundation’s DNA.
The Pete & Thomas Foundation channels Megan’s personal journey into programs that empower underserved communities across education, housing, and wellness.
Inside the Gala: Philanthropy Meets Celebrity
Hosted at Gotham Hall, the inaugural gala was a celebration of purpose and star power. Emmy-winning actress Taraji P. Henson emceed the evening, with music by DJ D-Nice and a performance by Muni Long. Notable attendees included Fat Joe, Lil Uzi Vert, Tamika Mallory, Angie Martinez, and activist Mysonne.
The red carpet also saw Megan and Klay Thompson make their debut as a couple, generating buzz across entertainment media and social platforms.
The night included tributes to community changemakers:
- Pastors Juanita and Rudy Rasmus of Bread of Life, Inc.
- LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium
- Mila Henry, founder of MH Boxes
Social media lit up with praise. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote,
“Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation raised over $1.2 MILLION at their first-ever gala. This is how you use your platform!”
The Megan Thee Stallion Gala proved how celebrity-driven events can both celebrate culture and create meaningful, community-centered change.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Philanthropy: Purpose in Action
Beyond the charts and accolades, Megan Thee Stallion (born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) is a powerful advocate for social progress. Her philanthropic work stems from personal loss—her mother, Holly Thomas, passed away in 2019, and her father, Joseph Pete III, died when she was just 15.
Through the Pete & Thomas Foundation, Megan channels that grief into action. As she shared in a statement:
“Launching the Pete and Thomas Foundation is easily one of the most significant endeavors that I’ll ever be part of in my career.”
X users echoed this sentiment:
“The Founder Megan Thee Stallion raised $1.2M during her first-ever gala. Let’s talk about THAT impact.”
Megan Thee Stallion’s philanthropy showcases how artists can turn personal pain into powerful advocacy, using their platforms to drive change.
The Rise of Celebrity Fundraising Events
Megan Thee Stallion’s inaugural gala is part of a growing movement where celebrities are stepping beyond the stage and screen to lead large-scale philanthropic efforts. These events aren’t just about glitz and glam—they’re high-impact platforms that generate millions of dollars for causes ranging from health care and education to criminal justice reform and global relief.
What makes celebrity fundraising events so successful is the unique blend of influence, access, and storytelling. By leveraging their personal brands, social media followings, and public platforms, celebrities can mobilize donors, raise awareness, and normalize charitable giving among their audiences.
High-Impact Celebrity Galas That Set the Standard
- Rihanna’s Diamond Ball – Held annually by the Clara Lionel Foundation, the Diamond Ball has raised tens of millions of dollars for global education and emergency response programs. Rihanna has used the event to spotlight issues like natural disaster recovery in the Caribbean. In addition to barriers to schooling in underdeveloped regions.
- Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Shawn Carter Gala – Focused on education and social justice, this gala funds scholarships for low-income students and supports programs that address incarceration and systemic inequality.
- Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party – One of the most iconic charity events in the world, this annual fundraiser has brought in over $450 million for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and advocacy. Its blend of Hollywood prestige and global humanitarian urgency is a model for impact.
- Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive Black Ball – Known for its emotional storytelling and soulful performances, the Black Ball has raised over $28 million to provide care and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.
- Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball & Benefit Dinners – While more intimate, Oprah’s events consistently raise funds and awareness for women’s education and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, showing that even small-scale dinners can be powerful fundraising tools.
- Drake’s October’s Very Own (OVO) Summit – Though not a gala in the traditional sense, Drake’s OVO-hosted events and collaborations with community leaders in Toronto and beyond have funneled resources into education and housing initiatives.
Why This Model Works
These events create a cultural moment that merges entertainment with activism. A luxury venue, a high-profile guest list, and buzzworthy performances draw media attention. While the heartfelt stories and mission-driven speeches leave lasting impressions that drive donations.
More importantly, they shift perceptions around philanthropy. Giving back becomes aspirational, not just altruistic—something fans and fellow celebrities alike want to be part of.
In the case of Megan Thee Stallion, her ability to mix authenticity with star power is exactly what makes her gala stand out. She’s not just writing checks—she’s building a legacy rooted in community, love, and resilience.
From red carpets to grassroots impact, celebrity fundraising continues to reshape how we view charity. Further, proving that fame can serve as a catalyst for global change.
How You Can Support Underserved Communities
Inspired by Megan’s work? Here are a few practical ways to get involved:
- Donate to nonprofits like the Pete & Thomas Foundation or similar organizations in your area.
- Volunteer your time with programs supporting youth, seniors, or low-income families.
- Attend local fundraisers or charity events to connect with your community and contribute.
- Share causes on social media to raise awareness and broaden impact.
- Start small—even small actions can create ripples of change.
Supporting underserved communities doesn’t require millions—just intention, action, and heart.
Megan’s Gala Sets a New Standard
Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala wasn’t just a glamorous night—it was a heartfelt tribute to her family and a rallying cry for community empowerment. The \$1.2 million raised marks a strong start for what could become a legacy event in celebrity philanthropy.
As Megan continues to expand her impact, her journey shows how fame and purpose, can uplift lives. In addition to reshape communities. For anyone inspired by her story, the path to making a difference is just one step away.