Selena Gomez is slated to host the fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit this Wednesday at the Hollywood Palladium, an effort that continues to build on its goal to expand access to youth mental health services. The fund, which Gomez launched in 2020, is working towards a $100 million target.
Since its inception, the Rare Impact Fund has already raised more than $30 million. This funding supports 30 nonprofit partners across five continents, reaching approximately 3.5 million young people annually, according to the organization. A portion of this funding, specifically one percent of all sales from Gomez’s Rare Beauty cosmetics brand, is donated to the fund. Organizers also noted that contributions come from various philanthropic foundations, individual donors, and corporate partners.
This year's benefit will be emceed by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor and comedian Sean Hayes. Attendees will also see performances from Leon Bridges and Bella Kay.
Gomez expressed her gratitude in a statement, thanking "every one of our amazing sponsors and to the extraordinarily talented Leon Bridges and Bella Kay." She highlighted the collaborative nature of the mission, stating that "shining a light on youth mental health is something we cannot do alone," and that the support she receives "inspires me, but directly touches the lives of millions of young people around the world."
Leon Bridges commented on the importance of mental health advocacy, calling it "crucial." He described participating in an event that "creates real, tangible access to help for young people" as "an absolute privilege." Bridges also noted Gomez's role in "setting a standard for how artists can use their platforms to drive real change."
Bella Kay reflected on her own experience, sharing that "Music has always been an outlet for making sense of my own mental health and vulnerabilities." She added that being part of an evening dedicated to expanding youth mental health support "hits very close to home."
The host committee for this year's event includes entertainers Benny Blanco and Becky G. They are joined by executives and representatives from organizations such as Pacsun, the UCLA Hospital System, and lululemon, among others.
Last year’s benefit, which was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and featured performances by The Marías and Grammy-winning singer Laufey, successfully raised more than $2 million, organizers reported. The consistent effort through these annual events at local venues like the Hollywood Palladium underscores the ongoing commitment to youth mental health support stemming from Southern California.