Keep a Child Alive

“The greatest of all Balls, the Black Ball”- BONO.

The Keep a Child Alive Black Ball is a star-studded event where celebrity and philanthropy walk hand in hand, raising hopes, dreams and millions of dollars to benefit KCA’s work. The evening celebrates the work of the world’s most influential humanitarians, prominent entrepreneurs, entertainers and politicians who continue to attend and lend their support each year.

Guests of The Black Ball enjoy an intimate cocktail party, live auction and spectacular seated dinner. The evening’s program, features an awards ceremony for our honorees with extraordinary performances by the world’s top recording artists. Throughout the years, Alicia Keys has shared the Black Ball stage with Bono, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Common, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Angelique Kidjo, Femi Kuti, Baaba Maal, Damian Marley, John Mayer, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Kathleen Battle and Usher amongst others.

Our Black Ball honorees are an incredible group of humanitarians who use their willpower, fame, and courage to save lives devastated by the AIDS pandemic. On October 15, 2009, KCA will have the pleasure of honoring President Bill Clinton for his immeasurable achievements through the William J. Clinton Foundation and The Clinton Global Initiative. KCA will also honor the unstoppable Sir Richard Branson who has cultivated sustainable change worldwide with Virgin Unite. Former honorees include: Simon Fuller for spearheading the Idol Gives Back phenomenon on American Idol; Bono, rock star and campaigner for Africa; and Stephen Lewis of The Stephen Lewis Foundation, Co-Founder of AIDS Free World and author of Race Against Time.

Our annual fundraiser in New York raises enough money to fund our operational costs, with the remainder going towards our sites and programs, so that 100% of public donations are contributed to the cause.