Leonardo DiCaprio, Alan Faena, and More Support Sean Penn at a CORE Fundraiser in Miami

Midway through the CORE benefit, Leonardo DiCaprio (who had left the event early to catch a flight) called up the fundraising team. He let them know he planned to donate $100,000—but in doing so, he challenged the partygoers to match his contribution. Was there anyone in the room who would rise to the occasion? Thankfully, there was—generosity was on full display at the glitzy event.

Hosted on the water at SoHo Beach House Miami, the event raised funds for Sean Penn’s organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), which supports crisis response programs across Latin America and Haiti. Penn co-founded CORE with Ann Lee in 2010, within hours of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, and more than 11 years later, the organization has expanded the scope of its mission. At present, CORE is focused on COVID vaccine distribution, having already administered nearly 3 million vaccines around the world.

The night was emceed by comedian Luenell, who kicked things off on a hilarious note. “The event said beach casual….some of you ladies look like you’re going to the Oscars!” She wasn’t wrong; despite the fact that the event took place in the sand, under a tent (albeit an incredibly glamorous and atmospheric one), guests were dressed to the nines. In a room that included Antoine Arnault and Delphine Arnault, Marc Anthony, and Serena Williams, there were gowns, sequins, and sparkles galore.

After a cocktail hour during which the artist Mr. Kaves was hard at work painting a rather larger canvas to be auctioned off later that evening, guests took their seats. They ate a family-style meal and listened as Penn gave heartfelt remarks about the importance of CORE. “I am tangential in these comments. Usually, I will have scribbled some comments that I’ll have to look at and turn the paper around five or six times to get to everything,” Penn said. “But I shouldn’t be too long.”

Penn spoke of the origins of the organization, readying the audience to get their paddles (or, in this case, glow sticks) ready for an art-filled auction. From an Andy Warhol sketch (donated by Leonardo DiCaprio) to a custom Vik Muniz piece, there was a lot to entice. In the end, the benefit raised over $1.6 million, and it came to a close with a set from artist Anitta, who sang her hit “Girl From Rio.”