Was the Baby2Baby Gala the Biggest (and Glitziest) Fundraising Event of the Year?

Prince Harry, Serena Williams, Meghan MarkleEmma McIntyre/Getty Images

The Baby2Baby gala always brings out a well-heeled and big-hearted crowd of Los Angeles locals, but this year s black tie affair took it to another level. The annual fundraising event for the national non-profit—which is dedicated to serving mothers and children in need and has already distributed 200 million diapers to date—raised a record $18.5 million on Saturday, making it a history-making night.

As is tradition, the Paul Mitchell-presented Baby2Baby kicked off with its popular cocktail hour-meets-upscale food market experience concept. Guests lined up to try samplings from the city s buzziest restaurants. Think: mini pasta plates courtesy of Funke, sushi hand rolls from Kazunori, and a quick stop at Found Oyster’s raw bar to whet appetites. Among the attendees were a mix of fresh faces alongside longtime supporters including Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie who find themselves in the room every year. Demi Lovato joined with her mother, while Kerry Washington was spotted with former Scandal cast-mate and Hunting Wives star Katie Lowes.

Also in attendance were Alicia Keys, Anna Kendrick, Tyler Perry, Paris Hilton, and Ayesha Curry, as well as a pregnant and glowing Sofia Richie Grainge. “Being a mother has really opened my eyes, not only to the support that babies around the world need, but also the support that mothers need. So I love to be involved,” she told Vogue. “I had a really hard postpartum experience, and I have access to everything, so that just made me think about those that don t. Baby2Baby is something that I wholeheartedly support and want to be there for in any way that I can.”

The evening continued with a video montage showcasing Baby2Baby’s efforts to support families affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires—a moment that left many teary-eyed at their tables. This year, Serena Williams was also being honored with the Giving Tree Award during the program. “When I had my daughter, Olympia, and faced life threatening complications, I had access, and I had privilege, but I wasn t listened to,” Williams said. “I wasn t believed, and I came painfully close to losing everything. Mothers face these dangers every single day, often in silence and unfortunately, often unseen. Too many are ignored when they voice their fears. Too many are left without care, dignity, or the support that they deserve. That s why Baby2Baby’s maternal health efforts, in addition to what they do for babies, are so particularly personal to me.”

Rounding out a memorable celebration for the nonprofit, Baby2Baby s co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein enlisted Ludacris for an after party performance to keep the energy going late into the night. At the front of the crowd, Lizzo and Missy Elliot ensured the energy was high, as others took a dance floor break and recharged with Jon Vinny s pizza slices.