Chapter 661: Children's Fund

"I just came back from a charity dinner—attending dinners like this is part of a Hollywood star's life, and as one of them, I'm certainly no exception."

This was a passage from Tom Cruise's biography, published last year. It revealed a facet of Hollywood and even American high society—attending charity dinners of all sizes was the mainstream discourse and lifestyle of the upper class.

In other words, charity was true "upper-class elegance."

However, just like high society itself, this "upper-class elegance" was divided into tiers.

In 2002, Halle Berry received her first ticket to Vanity Fair's "Oscar Night." She excitedly brought her entourage along, only for them to be awkwardly blocked at the door.

"Oscar Night" was the hottest event in the City of Angels. It was a crucial part of the high-society social circle that every Hollywood star competed frantically to join, but "1+N" invitations were generally not permitted, even if Halle Berry was the reigning Best Actress.

For Duke, however, never mind "1+N"—even if he wanted to bring in dozens of attendants, the people at Vanity Fair wouldn't stop him. In fact, they would welcome him with open arms.

Every annual "Oscar Night" had a charity theme.

Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Tina Brown used "charity" as window dressing. Every year, she provided a few extra spots—whoever won the charity auction would get the chance to attend this party alongside the newly crowned Oscar Best Actors and Actresses, bump into "Iron Man" Robert Downey, or even have dinner with director Quentin Tarantino...

Just like "Oscar Night," the charity dinner Duke hosted at his estate had a strict threshold for entry. Every single person who made it inside was a prominent figure in the industry.

Four great directors, for example—Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Francis Coppola—were all in attendance.

Many of the guests actually only had a casual acquaintance with Duke, but they were all happy to attend. For one, a gathering of celebrities naturally attracted media attention; for another, no one would ever overlook Duke's weight in the industry.

"Most importantly, with Duke's status and position, any charity party he hosts is bound to be a top-tier event in Hollywood."

Sofia Coppola had hurried over right after returning from Johannesburg. She spoke to the elegantly dressed Charlize Theron. "Being seen here doesn't just attract the attention of the hundreds of media outlets outside; it's a symbol of status and position."

"If this had been before I starred in The Matrix..."

Charlize Theron looked toward the entrance of the banquet hall at Duke and Scarlett, who were welcoming guests. "...I would have competed frantically to get into this party," she said.

The presence of so many celebrities, socialites, and executives from major Hollywood companies made the banquet hall feel more like a networking arena. Hundreds of people mingled inside, constantly exchanging business cards as they greeted each other.

It wasn't just Hollywood's upper crust. Many media executives and behind-the-scenes bosses also trickled into the hall. The importance of actors staying on good terms with the media went without saying.

Even with her status as a top-tier Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron walked up to quite a few people to say hello.

Ever since Scarlett Johansson left for Africa, Duke had asked his housekeeper, Emma, to contact the relevant companies to plan this party. Judging solely by the caliber and sheer number of guests, the event was undoubtedly a success.

As seven in the evening approached, nearly three hundred guests had gathered in the banquet hall.

The charity party was held as a formal dinner. Over fifty round oak tables were scattered neatly across the spacious banquet hall. Although no one would gorge themselves on food and drink at such an occasion, all kinds of exquisite delicacies and fine wines flowed to every table.

"Godmother..."

Scarlett sat next to Mrs. Leah and spoke like a little girl who hadn't yet grown up. "You have to support this foundation Duke and I started."

"You two have done very well." Mrs. Leah nodded at her and Duke. "There are some things you simply must do once you reach a certain height."

Every top billionaire in the world, whether out of genuine sincerity or just for the sake of appearances, engaged in charity to some extent.

Duke naturally understood this. Establishing a dedicated charity foundation would only bring benefits to him and Scarlett.

He had always known he wasn't a noble person. Every step he took had an ulterior motive. But in this world, how many other billionaires did charity without ulterior motives of their own?

"Mom, how about staying in Los Angeles for Christmas this year?" Duke suggested.

Scarlett also looked at her godmother with anticipation.

Mrs. Leah thought for a moment before saying, "Then I'll stay in Los Angeles. It's always snowing heavily in New York these past few years, and I've grown a bit tired of it."

This was a charity fundraising party, as well as a reception for the Children's Fund jointly established by Duke and Scarlett.

Also attending the party were several high-ranking officials from the United Nations Refugee Agency and the Children's Fund. Duke later went over to their table to exchange a few pleasantries. Although the UN was nothing in the face of the Big Five, their name and banner made for excellent tools.

Even though the party had long since become a networking arena, charity remained the main theme.

Just like at all charity dinners, as the host of the party and one of the founders of the D&S Children's Fund officially established today, Duke inevitably had to give a speech.

"Next, please welcome Mr. Duke Rosenberg."

Acting as the temporary host, Leonardo DiCaprio was the first to clap his hands on the small stage at the front. Warm applause immediately echoed through the banquet hall. Duke stood up, straightened his black tuxedo, and waved as he walked onto the stage. He stood before the microphone and pulled the speech drafted by Penny Kalis from his pocket.

The applause gradually died down. From a spot near the back of the banquet hall, Taylor Swift watched the stage with envious eyes. When would she be able to become the focus of all of Hollywood, just like him?

"Darling, once your album is released..."

Seeing her daughter's expression, Mrs. Swift gently patted her hand. "...everything will be different."

If agent Nancy Josephson hadn't seen potential in her and been willing to help, how could she have ever gotten into a venue like this?

Taylor Swift understood this perfectly well. "Mom, I'll succeed. I definitely will."

It wouldn't be long before a great promotional opportunity arrived. She was going to sing the theme song for Duke's new movie!

"Here, I would first like to thank everyone for attending this dinner..."

As the voice rang out from the stage, Taylor Swift temporarily abandoned her other thoughts and focused all her attention forward.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you very much. Please, everyone take a seat, or else Leonardo is going to start glaring again..."

After poking fun at Leonardo DiCaprio, who had stepped down from the stage, Duke turned to the main topic.

"We live in an era of highly developed media. The press is always able to promptly deliver situations from all over the world right before our eyes. Whenever I see the unbelievable tragedies suffered by mothers and children in developing countries on television or in the newspapers, I often feel a sense of despair and helplessness."

The banquet hall was completely silent. Only Duke's voice drifted through the air.

"Now, when I see stories like that, I no longer feel quite as helpless, because I know that the United Nations Refugee Agency, the Children's Fund, and other organizations, institutions, churches, and governments are working hard to help them. But we should still do more for the children in danger in those developing countries. Right now, some of them are barely managing to survive."

"I often ask myself one question: what have you truly done for this world? I believe my duty is to use my efforts to make society aware of the needs of starving children. If I were an educator, an economist, a politician, a theologian, or a cultural expert, I would be able to understand the children's issues in today's world much more profoundly. Regrettably, children's causes still require a great deal of support, and many children remain under the threat of malnutrition, disease, and death."

"I don't want to list exact statistics. Just look at those thin, small faces and those translucent eyes glazed with illness, and you will understand the circumstances they live in."

At this point, Duke looked toward the table where his mother was seated. "I have here some photos and materials taken by Miss Scarlett Johansson during her field visit to Africa a few weeks ago..."

Understanding the unspoken cue, Scarlett stood up, gave a slight nod to the front to show her respects, and then sat back down.

The stage background shifted to an arid Africa. Images of emaciated Black children appeared one by one. Their disproportionately large heads formed a stark contrast with their frail bodies and protruding ribs, making for an exceptionally shocking sight.

These were all genuine photos taken by the team that had followed Scarlett. Duke turned around, looked at the pictures, and said, "These are all symptoms of severe malnutrition. The most significant factor causing this condition is a lack of food and Vitamin A, which leads to damaged corneas or even partial or complete blindness, and they could die just weeks later."

He turned back and continued, "In countries like Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, the Congo, and Ethiopia, millions of such cases occur every year. Today, there are practically millions of malnourished children facing the threat of blindness."

Duke gestured toward Scarlett Johansson. "Miss Scarlett Johansson and I jointly established the D&S Children's Fund not only to do our utmost in seeking financial support from society for the foundation, but also to popularize the most basic medical knowledge among the people in those regions and teach them how to raise their children. In fact, it only takes 8 cents a year to save a child from blindness. Eight cents is simply the price of two Vitamin A tablets."