Madonna hosts star-studded benefit

Updated 15.02 Thu Feb 07 2008

Keywords: Malawi, UNICEF, Madonna

Superstar Madonna hosted a celebrity benefit to raise money for orphans in Malawi who are affected by Aids and HIV.

Several stars, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna and a heavily-pregnant Jennifer Lopez turned out in force at the United Nations in New York, to support the cause.

Madonna, who launched the event along with UNICEF and fashion house Gucci, said she was eager to inspire and put the cause on the map

Madonna, who launched the event along with Unicef and fashion house Gucci, said she was eager to inspire and put the cause on the map.

"What I really want to do is put Malawi on the map. i want credibility as a philanthropist organisation. I want to inspire people - I don't want them to just write me a cheque, I want them to give me a piece of their heart," Madonna said.

But the glitzy event sparked controversy as it also doubled up as the launch of a new Gucci shop.

However Gucci, who sponsored the entire event, said all money raised from the party will be split between Raising Malawi and Unicef.