Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to host this year’s City Gala fundraiser following the 58th Grammy Awards.
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson will keynote the event, to be held at the Playboy Mansion, immediately after the music awards ceremony on Feb. 15. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and businessman and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria will be honored at the fundraiser moderated by Jane Seymour and co-sponsored by Tagspire.
The black-tie fundraiser, which also features a poker tournament, will be emceed by 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons and include live performances from DJ Paul Oakenfold, Robert “Kool” Bell, Chanel West Coast, the Stafford Brothers and DJ Sarah Roberson.
“We are honored to have such an incredible roster of distinguished guests joining us to raise visibility for these important charitable causes,” said City Gala executive producer Ryan Long.
The funds raised during the event will support the Community Inspiring Today’s Youth (CITY) and its nonprofit programs for Los Angeles youth, as well as From the Heart Productions, Fire Life Foundation, the Scheer Foundation and Supporting Our Servicemen.
The VIPs playing in the celebrity poker tournament include Carl Weathers, Charlie Webber, Gilles Marini, James Roday, Kate Flannery, Mark Moses, Travis Van Winkle, Tiffany Michelle, Mike “the Miz” Mizanin, Omar Benson Miller and Paul Johansson.
The City Gala fundraiser began in 2014 following the year’s Oscars celebration. The event raised more than $350,000 for charitable causes.
