A Night of Purpose: Colman Domingo and Paris Hilton Headline the 5th Annual Caring for Women Dinner

As the global conversation surrounding gender-based violence continues to evolve, the Kering Foundation is preparing for its most significant milestone to date. On September 10, the architectural landmark of The Pool in New York City will play host to the fifth annual Caring for Women Dinner, an event that has transformed from a high-profile industry gathering into a cornerstone of philanthropic action in the fashion and entertainment sectors.

This year, the evening will be anchored by the versatile and acclaimed Colman Domingo, who is set to emcee the festivities. Following the formal program, the energy will shift as cultural icon and advocate Paris Hilton takes to the decks to DJ the official after-party.

The Convergence of Influence: Main Facts and Key Participants

The Caring for Women Dinner represents a rare intersection of the creative arts, high fashion, and humanitarian advocacy. While the glitz of the guest list—which consistently features the world’s most recognizable faces—is undeniable, the core mission remains anchored in the Kering Foundation’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence.

This year’s event is spearheaded by a powerhouse roster of co-hosts who lend their platforms to the cause. Joining Salma Hayek Pinault and Kering chairman François-Henri Pinault are a group of luminaries spanning multiple disciplines: Olympic icon Simone Biles, actor and activist Pamela Anderson, Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, polo player and philanthropist Nacho Figueras, actor Dakota Johnson, and visual artist Lorna Simpson.

The selection of Colman Domingo as emcee reflects the event’s prestige. Domingo, whose career spans prolific work as an actor, writer, director, and producer, brings a gravitas and charisma to the stage that aligns with the gravity of the foundation’s work. Having recently secured two Academy Award nominations and holding the position of co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala, Domingo is currently one of the most influential figures in American culture.

A Legacy of Advocacy: Paris Hilton’s Evolution

Perhaps the most poignant addition to the evening’s programming is the participation of Paris Hilton. Beyond her status as a global pop-culture figure, Hilton has, in recent years, pivoted toward a role as a fierce advocate for survivors of institutional abuse.

Since the release of her revealing documentary, This Is Paris, and the subsequent publication of Paris: The Memoir, Hilton has leveraged her immense reach to lobby for legislative protections against abuse and exploitation. Her presence at the after-party is not merely for entertainment; it is a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the survivors that the Kering Foundation supports. Her journey from reality star to policy advocate serves as a testament to the power of personal narrative in driving systemic change.

Chronology and Evolution of the Kering Foundation

To understand the weight of this fifth-anniversary dinner, one must look at the foundation’s trajectory since its inception.

• 2008: The Kering Foundation is established with a singular, radical mandate: to combat the pervasive issue of violence against women and children.
• 2019–2021: The foundation solidifies its partnerships with grassroots nonprofits across six countries, focusing on survivor-centered services and preventative educational programs.
• 2022: The inaugural Caring for Women Dinner is held, successfully bringing the worlds of luxury fashion and social justice into a single room.
• 2023: The event gains significant momentum, raising over $4.5 million in a single evening, cementing its status as one of the most successful fundraisers in the New York philanthropic calendar.
• 2024: The fifth annual dinner introduces new digital elements, including an online silent auction, widening the circle of participation beyond the elite attendees in the room.

Data-Driven Impact: Where the Money Goes

The success of the Caring for Women Dinner is measured not just in dollars raised, but in the reach of the organizations it supports. This year’s beneficiaries represent a cross-section of vital services needed to address gender-based violence:

1. Activating Change: A nonprofit focused on the intersection of disability and gender-based violence, ensuring that the most vulnerable survivors receive specialized care.
2. Fondo Semillas: An organization dedicated to supporting women’s rights movements in Mexico, fostering systemic change at the community level.
3. JBWS (Jersey Battered Women’s Service): A comprehensive provider of safety, support, and education for those affected by domestic abuse.
4. The New York Women’s Foundation: An organization that invests in bold, community-led solutions to promote economic security and safety for women across the city.

The cumulative effect of these donations is substantial. By focusing on both immediate crisis intervention and long-term prevention, the foundation ensures that the $4.5 million raised in previous years is utilized with surgical precision.

Perspectives from Leadership

Reflecting on the milestone of the fifth anniversary, François-Henri Pinault, chairman of Kering and the Kering Foundation, offered a statement that highlights the intersectional nature of the event.

"Salma and I created the Caring for Women Dinner to raise essential funds for organizations working to end gender-based violence and to mobilize a broader community around this critical mission at the heart of the Kering Foundation’s work," Pinault noted. "As we mark its fifth edition, the dinner stands as a powerful reminder of what this community can achieve when it comes together with purpose."

The sentiment underscores a shift in how luxury conglomerates approach corporate social responsibility. It is no longer enough to donate anonymously; industry leaders are now using their logistical expertise, their supply chains, and their influence to force the issue of gender-based violence into the public consciousness.

The Mechanics of the Gala: An Evening of Luxury and Impact

The event itself is a study in curation. The evening at The Pool will feature an intimate, curated dinner followed by a live auction. The items on the block are emblematic of the Kering portfolio—the world’s most storied fashion houses have contributed exclusive experiences and luxury goods. Pieces from Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, and Ginori 1735 will be up for bidding.

In a move to democratize the event, the foundation has introduced an online silent auction this year. This is a critical development, as it allows members of the public who cannot attend the gala to participate in the fundraising efforts. By removing the barrier of physical presence, the foundation is signaling a desire to broaden its reach and deepen the public’s engagement with its mission.

Implications for the Future of Philanthropy

The Caring for Women Dinner serves as a case study for the "new" philanthropy—a model that is high-visibility, celebrity-endorsed, and deeply focused on specialized outcomes.

The Power of Celebrity Advocacy

By inviting individuals like Paris Hilton and Colman Domingo, the foundation is not just "borrowing" fame. They are integrating these figures into the functional machinery of the nonprofit world. When a celebrity of that magnitude speaks on institutional abuse, the resulting legislative pressure is often exponentially higher than traditional lobbying efforts.

The Role of Luxury in Social Change

Critics have often questioned the role of luxury fashion in social justice. However, the Kering Foundation has demonstrated that the global reach of these fashion houses can be effectively weaponized to drive awareness. When a brand like Gucci or Balenciaga attaches its name to a cause, the message reaches demographics that are often missed by traditional advocacy campaigns.

Sustaining Momentum

The challenge, as with any major fundraiser, is longevity. Having raised over $4.5 million last year, the expectations for the fifth anniversary are high. However, the foundation’s shift toward a hybrid (in-person and online) auction model suggests they are preparing for a future where sustainability is key. By creating an infrastructure that persists beyond the final toast of the dinner, they are building a model that can weather economic volatility.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the sun sets on New York City on September 10, the focus will be on The Pool, but the impact of the evening will be felt in shelters, legal offices, and community centers far from the flashing cameras of the red carpet.

The Caring for Women Dinner has moved beyond the status of a "trend" to become an essential pillar of the fight against gender-based violence. Through the leadership of figures like Colman Domingo and the continued, unwavering commitment of the Pinault family, the event continues to prove that even in the highest echelons of luxury, the most important work is the work of protecting the vulnerable. As the evening concludes, the true measure of its success will be the continued safety and empowerment of those who, for too long, have been silenced.