Beyonce and Jay-Z

and Their Foundation

Celebrity Charities – Jay Z and Beyonce are America’s William and Kate, sort of. The couple who was rumored to be dating since the early 2000s, eventually tied the knot, made music together, and most recently made a baby together.

It’s no surprise that America’s rap and R&B sweethearts put as much effort into raising money for a charity as they do for their music.

In early October Jay Z threw a carnival-themed fundraiser at New York’s Pier 54 for the Shawn Carter Foundation. The fundraiser drew out celebrities like A-Rod and Questlove of The Roots. Momofoku Milk Bar, and The Spotted Pig provided plenty of food for guests along with the array of food trucks and stands set up throughout the pier. Invitees were also treated to Armand de Brignac Champagne, carnival rides, games, and prizes. The only thing my local fair serves up is fried food and Miller Lite.

The Shawn Carter foundation works to provide underprivileged children scholarships for a brighter future. Since its inception in 2002 the foundation has produced over 750 scholarships for students who often come from single-parent households whose earnings are less than $40,000 per year. Students who are eligible for the scholarships can receive as much as $2,500 to cover any college expenses. If the students remain eligible they can also continue reapplying each year they are in school.

SCF, as it is also known (what did you expect from a man who also goes by H.O.V.A?!) also provides students in New York’s five boroughs a chance to visit historically black colleges and universities in order to promote attendance at these institutions.

The October fundraiser was a success and raised $1 million for the foundation. When asked about why he chose to focus his foundation efforts on college Jay Z told The Observer “I think people need to be prepared for you know, this century and the next century and beyond.”

To get all details about the party visit The Observer, and to learn about how you can donate to the cause visit The Shawn Carter Foundation.

Read more at People, the Observer, and at the Shawn Carter Foundation.