Image: AP
Among the reported results, three collages by artist Lorna Simpson sold for $165,000, while an experience at Dataland, a planned museum of AI-generated art, fetched $45,000. A palmetto diamond necklace sold for $130,000. The online auction ran from September 1 to September 14, allowing people beyond the dinner’s attendees to participate. Items included a signed leotard worn by Biles during her winning performance at the 2021 US Classic, a limited-edition Gucci handbag and fashion-related experiences.
The Kering Foundation has not announced how the total will be divided among the four beneficiaries. The organisations represent different parts of the response to gender-based violence, from direct support for survivors to prevention and broader social change. Fundraising included contributions from guests and supporters, a live auction and an online silent auction that was opened to the public for the first time. The live auction featured artwork, luxury products and exclusive experiences contributed by supporters.
Salma Hayek Pinault and François-Henri Pinault’s role
Actor Pamela Anderson joined a star-studded fundraising dinner in New York City that raised more than $5 million for organisations working to end gender-based violence. The fifth annual Caring for Women Dinner, organised by the Kering Foundation, took place on September 10, 2026, at The Pool restaurant in Manhattan during New York Fashion Week. This year’s fundraising brought the initiative’s five-year total to more than $20 million. The money raised at the 2026 dinner will support four organisations: Activating Change, Fondo Semillas, JBWS and The New York Women’s Foundation. Salma Hayek Pinault and her husband, François-Henri Pinault, have served as the dinner’s founding co-hosts since its launch in 2022. Established in 2008, the Kering Foundation supports programmes intended to prevent violence, help survivors and promote safer environments for women and children. Since its first edition in 2022, the Caring for Women Dinner has raised more than $20 million across five years, according to the Kering Foundation. The 2026 total followed the more than $4.5 million raised at the 2025 dinner.
It has reported reaching more than three million women and children through its broader work over nearly two decades. Co-hosted by Salma Hayek Pinault and François-Henri Pinault, the event brought together celebrities, athletes, artists and philanthropists to support women and children affected by violence. The proceeds will benefit four non-profit organisations working across prevention, advocacy and survivor support, continuing the event’s focus on funding services and initiatives addressing gender-based violence. Anderson was among the public figures associated with the fifth annual dinner, alongside gymnast Simone Biles, actors Dakota Johnson and Benicio Del Toro, polo player Nacho Figueras and artist Lorna Simpson. The gathering took place at The Pool, a restaurant in Manhattan’s Seagram Building, and combined a formal dinner with speeches, fundraising auctions and entertainment. Actor Colman Domingo served as the evening’s emcee, while auctioneer Lydia Fenet led the live bidding. The programme included a three-course dinner, films highlighting the work of the beneficiary organisations and a performance by singer Rita Ora. Paris Hilton DJed at the after-party. The event brought together figures from fashion, entertainment, sport, art and philanthropy to support organisations working with survivors and communities affected by gender-based violence. Each works in a different area of prevention, advocacy or support for people affected by gender-based violence. Activating Change works to advance disability justice and address violence against people with disabilities, including people who are deaf. Its work includes improving access to justice and services for survivors. Fondo Semillas is a Mexican feminist philanthropic organisation that supports grassroots groups working to advance women’s rights, gender equality and bodily autonomy. JBWS, based in New Jersey, provides services for people affected by domestic violence. Its work includes crisis intervention, shelter and support for survivors seeking safety. The New York Women’s Foundation funds community-led initiatives addressing gender, racial and economic inequalities. Its grantmaking supports organisations working to improve the safety, rights and opportunities of women and girls. Pinault is chairman of Kering, the luxury group, and the Kering Foundation. The initiative was created to mobilise support for organisations working to end violence against women and children. The annual gathering seeks to turn that commitment into financial support for organisations working directly with affected communities. Its work extends across several countries and includes partnerships with non-profit organisations, service providers and advocacy groups. The foundation’s wider partnerships support work ranging from legal information and assistance for survivors to crisis services, prevention programmes and educational opportunities. The scale of the issue remains substantial. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one in three women worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. The figure underscores the need for prevention, survivor services and long-term support beyond individual fundraising events.
The fifth dinner brought together public figures and organisations around that shared goal, with this year’s proceeds directed to four non-profits working on different aspects of the response to gender-based violence. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.