Denzel and Pauletta Washington Raise Over $17 Million for Smithsonian Museum of African-American History

The Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture is nearing completion and two Hollywood stars are showing their support in a major way.

Variety reports that Denzel and Pauletta Washington recently held a star-studded fundraiser to raise money for the museum, which has an estimated $270 million remaining to reach the $540 million needed to complete construction. The Washingtons invited a host of celebrity friends and colleagues into their California home for the lavish gathering, held on the same evening that President Obama gave his final White House Correspondents’ Dinner speech.

Photos of Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Nas and Others will be Featured at New Smithsonian Museum

Among the notable donations from evening was a reported $10 million from producer extraordinaire Shonda Rhimes, while attendees included the likes of Magic Johnson, Quincy Jones and Samuel Jackson. The grand total raised during the Washingtons’ fundraiser was a whopping $17 million, according to the exclusive report . The couple is no stranger to philanthropic efforts, as they have previously made generous donations to The Children’s Fund of South Africa, Wiley College, AIDS research and Denzel’s alma mater Fordham University, to name a few.

Other influencers who have donated $1 million or more to the museum include Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas & wife Melody Hobson and Samuel L. Jackson. 

The Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture is officially set to open on September 24.

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