On March 11, global icon and humanitarian Madonna hosted an inspiring evening at Diane von Furstenberg’s New York City headquarters, gathering an influential crowd of friend and supporters to spotlight the live-saving work of her nonprofit organization, Raising Malawi. The event marked the official launch of an exciting new initiative—inviting individuals around the world to become Raising Malawi Partners and directly impact the lives of Malawi’s most vulnerable children.

Founded in 2006, Raising Malawi has long been at the forefront of delivering hope, health, and opportunity to the children of Malawi. Through the Mercy James Centre for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care—the country’s first and only pediatric hospital—the organization provides life-saving surgeries and healthcare services to over 2,000 children each year. Now, Madonna is offering supporters an even more personal way to contribute to this important mission.

Madonna and Raising Malawi announced the new Raising Malawi Partner program, an opportunity for individuals to commit to monthly donations that sustain critical healthcare operations. These contributions directly support children who need urgent medical care, essential resources, and long-term support to thrive. Monthly partners will play an integral role in advancing the organization’s life-changing initiatives.

As Madonna shared at the event, “The thing I’m most proud of in my life is the work I’ve done helping vulnerable children in Africa, particularly Malawi, and of course, my incredible, beautiful children. I’ve always believed that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Your support of Raising Malawi means the world to these children and to all of us who are working tirelessly to make a difference.”

In addition to the fulfillment of giving, Raising Malawi Partners will soon gain exclusive access to unique auctions, experiences, and more. Full details on these perks will be announced soon.

The March 11 gathering was a powerful celebration of progress and a call to action. Hosted by actress and comedian Amy Schumer, the event featured a moving piano performance by Mercy James, Madonna’s daughter and namesake of the Mercy James Centre. Notable guests included comedian Chris Rock and philanthropist Lauren Sanchez, each lending their voice and presence to support the cause.

The evening also marked the announcement of several new partnerships. Among them:

• KidsOR, a global health organization led by co-founder and chairman Gareth Wood, dedicated to increasing access to safe pediatric surgery.
• ELMA Philanthropies, under the leadership of president Robyn Calder, focusing on improving outcomes for children across Africa.

With half of Malawi’s 20 million citizens under the age of 18, the need for these initiatives has never been more urgent. Raising Malawi’s work extends beyond healthcare to support education, arts, and athletics, including projects like the Jacaranda School for Orphans, Home of Hope Children’s Homes, and Ascent Soccer, which empowers young athletes in Malawi.

The night’s success helped fuel Raising Malawi’s flagship project—The Mercy James Centre—and its expanded efforts in healthcare worker training and pediatric care. Madonna also spoke with People’s Magazine’s Jeff Nelson about the new direction of the initiative and the powerful impact of its programs. Read the conversation here.

As Madonna reminded everyone, “If you want to go fast—go alone. If you want to go far—go together.” Raising Malawi is extending that invitation to people everywhere to join them on this life-changing journey

Watch the event video HERE and learn how you can become a Raising Malawi Partner today. Together, we can transform lives and build a healthier, brighter future for Malawi’s children.

For more information, visit raisingmalawi.org.