Setting: The lawns of the United Nations in New York. Time: Wednesday night, just after celebrities were wiping their eyes after the cancellation of the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Host: Madonna. Sponsor: Gucci. Goal: Raising money for children in Malawi.

Story: In order to raise funds for UNICEF and her own charity organization, Raising Malawi, Madonna threw a charity bash inviting famous stars and friends at the event. Even before the event had started, it already proved to be a huge success: $3.7 million were grossed, from ticket sales. The host of the cocktail party and dinner was accompanied by her 11-year old daughter, Lourdes. 

Madonna’s interest for the Malawi area debuted in 2006, when she started the procedure to adopt a child from the impoverished African area. The money raised in the event is destined to help children affected by AIDS and orphans, in an attempt to alleviate their condition.

Why Gucci, though? Was it only a coincidence the fact that a new shop opened in Manhattan? “Gucci is important to me. Because they stepped up to the plate to support me. And that means a lot,” Madonna told “People” magazine.

Madonna’s guests included Hollywood A-listers, like her close friend Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Salma Hayek. Also, Jennifer Lopes, who recently disclosed that she was expecting twins, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Hollywood’s favorite couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Rihanna and Timbaland entertained the star-packed charity bash.