The Hollywood Cares Foundation creator, Jason Lee, and superstar Cardi B united leaders from entertainment, business, and philanthropy in support of youth development, wellness, and civic engagement in Stockton, California.

Cardi B and Jason Lee brought together approximately 50 guests for an intimate Beverly Hills fundraising dinner supporting youth programs in Stockton, California.

Announced by The Hollywood Cares Foundation on Sept. 18, the gathering raised support for initiatives centered on leadership development, civic engagement, mental wellness and expanded opportunities for underserved young people.

The evening included a cocktail reception followed by a private dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck.

Lee, identified in the foundation’s announcement as Stockton’s vice mayor, established the nonprofit organization in 2022. The Beverly Hills gathering connected its community-based mission with influential supporters across entertainment, business and philanthropy.

Cardi B and Jason Lee attend The Hollywood Cares Foundation fundraising dinner in Beverly Hills. Photo credit: Jen J.

Entertainment and Business Leaders Answer the Call

The private dinner attracted prominent figures whose participation helped draw attention to the foundation’s work in Stockton.

Attendees included Lizzo, Tiffany Haddish, Law Roach, Bozoma Saint John, Evan Ross, Mona Scott, Tyrese, Joyner Lucas, Steven Cloobeck and Lou Young III.

The foundation also identified Gary Vaynerchuk, Paris Hilton and Robert Smith as donors supporting the effort.

For Lee, the event represented more than an evening of celebrity visibility. It offered an opportunity to transform influential relationships into meaningful resources for young people in his hometown.

“Stockton’s young people deserve the same access to opportunity as anyone else, and nights like this remind me that people are willing to show up for that belief,” Lee said. “I’m grateful to Cardi B and everyone in that room for putting real resources behind our youth – this isn’t charity, it’s an investment in what Stockton can become.”

The foundation did not disclose how much money was raised during the dinner.

Investing in Leadership, Wellness and Civic Engagement

Proceeds from the event will support several of the foundation’s ongoing programs in Stockton, including Leadership Unlocked youth summits, I AM READY workshops and Toys for Joy.

Together, the initiatives reflect a broader strategy that combines personal development with civic participation and access to mental health and wellness resources.

The Hollywood Cares Foundation works across entertainment, philanthropy, business, government, and grassroots organizations to support that mission. Events such as the Beverly Hills dinner allow the nonprofit to connect the reach of pop culture with programs serving young people directly within their communities.

Entertainment, business, and philanthropic leaders gather in support of The Hollywood Cares Foundation’s Stockton youth programs. Photo credit: Jen J.

Jason Lee Has a Long-Term Vision for Stockton’s Young People

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Hollywood Cares Foundation was created to harness the influence of entertainment and popular culture in service of underserved youth.

Its work extends beyond individual workshops and fundraising events. According to the foundation, the organization helped secure a $12.4 million state grant for the planned I AM READY Stockton Youth Center.

The proposed mental health facility represents a long-term investment in Stockton’s youth, complementing the foundation’s leadership summits, wellness programming, and community initiatives.

By bringing entertainers, business leaders, and philanthropists together around that mission, the Beverly Hills dinner demonstrated how cultural influence can be converted into tangible community support.

Learn more about the organization and its programs at HollywoodCaresFoundation.org.