Inside Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit

The Rare Impact Fund’s main mission is to mobilize $100 million for organizations to increase access to youth mental health services and education globally. Since its inception in 2020, the organization has raised over $20 million and awarded grants to 30 nonprofits across five continents. This year’s installment transformed Nya Studios West into a cozy and sophisticated jazz lounge-like setting. Gathered under ambient lighting, TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel emceed the program while indie band The Marías performed songs in both English and Spanish as guests lounged on plush sofas and banquettes.

During a live auction, Blanco made a $16,000 winning bid for two tickets to meet Adam Sandler at his live comedy show in Las Vegas this weekend. The producer also raised his paddle for a six-night all-inclusive retreat at The Ranch Malibu, which he won for $21,000. A bidding war broke out for a private dance class with Charm La’Donna—who has choreographed moves for Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Kendrick Lamar. As pledges soared past $45,000, Gomez started to cheer loudly to encourage the crowd. The one-of-a-kind experience ultimately sold for $60,000: prompting a stunned Gomez to press both hands to her cheeks with her mouth open in disbelief. The evening’s highest pledge was $76,000 for a private cooking class with Gomez and Blanco themselves.

Once the last paddle was lowered, the evening had raised over $600,000 on the spot, contributing to a total of almost $2 million this year. To close out the successful night, Grammy-winning singer Laufey took to the stage to perform Silver Lining. As the Icelandic singer enthralled the audience, Gomez quietly sang along, sharing a sweet kiss with Blanco.

To end the night, waiters appeared with seemingly endless burritos, chips, and guacamole, with chocolate chip cookies and ice cream bars to finish. Gomez had mentioned to Vogue earlier in the evening that comfort food always helps when she’s feeling down. “I love practicing dialectical behavioral therapy. It’s something that’s really helpful, because it allows me to rewire my brain. If I don’t do that, I talk to my therapist…and after that I eat a lot of food,” she laughed, “And just let myself be. Food makes me happy!”