My evening at Madonna's "Raising Malawi and UNICEF" Benefit

On Wednesday, February 6th, I attended a benefit celebration called ‘Raising Malawi and Unicef.’  Hosted by Gucci and Madonna, it was an exciting gathering of celebrities, designers, artists, actors, performers, and business people.  It was held in a complex of gigantic tents, which were constructed on the grounds of the United Nations.  Cocktails and a formal seated dinner for several hundred guests were served in a tiered auditorium-like theater-in-the-round.  Guests were treated to speeches by Madonna, Jeffrey Sachs (Director of the Earth Institute and Special Advisor to the United Nations), and Matthews Chikaonda (Malawi Finace Minister).

There were amazing performances by native dancers, the African Children’s Choir, Rihanna, Timbaland, Nelly Furtado, and Alicia Keys.  Everyone was dressed in mostly Gucci and looked spectacular, especially our hostess, Madonna, who was sitting with her daughter Lourdes, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Rosie!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY PHOTOS FROM WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

Comments

[Debbie]

Looks like a fun evening. What was that beef dish-looks delish.

[Andrew Ritchie]

Gorgeous photos, Martha!

I remember you once saying that Madonna was one of your influences. The way she brands herself and markets herself is sheer genius.

How fascinating it must have been to have the world's two most powerful female Leos sitting at the same table!

Roar!

-Andrew

[Liberty Post Editor]

What a beautiful event for such an amazing cause. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Of course, all of us bloggie types wish we were there with you too! Thank you for sharing.

[Debbie]

Martha:

I would like to find out if you ever have a little anxiety or worry over seeing someone famous at one of these dinners and their name totally escapes you?

Boy, it would happen to me and I would have to develop some sort of coping skill to handle it!

Debbie

[PAULINE MUCCIACCIO]

Hi Martha,
The affair you attend last night was on the news. They showed some of the celebrities bidding on items. From your pictures it looks like a galla event.
Also, your comment "that you were taking photo's for your blog" was mentioned on the society page, and here they are as promised.
Pauline Mucciaccio

[Kathy]

Martha,
Thanks for posting pictures from Madonna's gala for Malawi and UNICEF. What fun---and a good cause, too. I've long supported UNICEF. Both Madonna---and you, Martha---are marketing geniuses.
Wonderful photos.
Kathy

[Marta Szady]

Martha,

What a night! I was glad to see three of my heros and rolemodels; Yourself, Rosie and Madonna under the same roof supportting and beliving in the same cause. It was beautyfull!

Martha were's a picture of you?
You need to post one!

Marta Szady

[Dawn The Cuddly Cactus]

Wow what a great way to spend the night out! I wish I was there!!! I love Madonna & Gucci clothes & accessories, I wonder if Martha got a gift bag? If she did she should send it to me for my birthday!!! What a cool way to do a benefit for a great cause :)

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, It looks like you had a great time at Madonna's Raising Malawi and UNICEF event. The one and only time I ever saw Madonna in person was at the no longer existing Kingdome in the early 80's. That was back in her "material girl" era. She certainly has changes and is doing so much for other countries now. Thanks so much for sharing this event with all of us. Jan

[Nancy]

What a lovely evening and the way you presented it made it very real and approachable. All too often, celebrities are shown through a paparazzo's lense.
Thank you for sharing.

[donna]

I enjoy your daily blog so much!
What did you wear to the party? I'd love to see a picture. What a wonderful event and for such a great cause.

[bernadette]

Your blog is fantastic! Thanks for bringing the party to us!
I adore both Madonna and you!

[jeannie]

martha, what great photos, thank you so much for sharing them with us. We admire you and Madonna! Always, xo

[Linda Gail]

What a party! And all for a really great cause. Madonna has changed so much over the years and all for the better. I think she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. And it's amazing but she just gets more beautiful each year. She is a lot like you, Martha, because you are more lovely each time you smile.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures. The only thing missing is a picture of you.
Linda Gail

[Melissa]

sounds like so much fun Martha!! I wanted to tell you about this great event going on that brings crafter's together... Its called The One World One Heart Blog Giveaway... You I think would love it. It brings so many people together and meet one another through our blogs. Check it out and sign up for my giveaway!! http://oneworldevent.blogspot.com/ please join us in the nation wide event!!

[Charlotte]

Martha, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your evening show on FINE Living. Finally I have an opportunity to watch your program without interfering with my daily work. I love to see that you encourage the basics of home life. Unfortunately so many of the younger generations did not have mothers like yours and mine. I appreciate all that you do for animals and promoting caring for your animals as family.
Thank you for the fine programing.

[theresa]

I didn't see a pic of you there! I just love Tom Cruise and Kate. She is such a doll. Rosie and the Trump were at the same affair? Were their any tufts of hair flying anywhere?
Africa has some real sad times there now. Kenya, Darfur, AIDS... the list is ..desperate. Thank you all for caring for them. I am sure God smiles on this.

[Debbie]

It seems that a lot of us would like to share photos with you of our pet families but your site is not user friendly for this function. Please reply and let me know if sharing photos is possible on the web site.
Thank you,
Debbie

[Christin Garry]

When you educate us to as how 'celebrity's' give of their time, effort and money in a generally very quiet way (Madonna's excepted) and never have to take accolades, warms my heart....thank you for sharing with us the wonder of people, either famous, rich or just ordinary....

[jennifer ramos]

I'm glad there are more celebrities trying to reach out to those in need. The ECONOMY is soo bad right now and Im sure is 10 times WORSE for those who are very poor. Like Borack Obama said today..there was a woman he met and she told him that before Katrina she had nothing and now she has less than NOTHING...Hope more people in your position help.

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards'
www.madebygirl.com

[Lynn]

Really enjoyed the photos of the Gala! I had seen it mentioned in the news also and that you were there taking photos "for your blog". :)

Thanks.

[B. Danielle]

I could definitely see the Gucci influence on the tables. What a lovely evening!