Two Prada Gowns, One Big Cause: Inside Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit

Selena Gomez knows how to make an entrance—and a statement. On Wednesday night, the pop star and Rare Beauty founder arrived at the historic Hollywood Palladium in a custom crimson-hued Prada gown to host the fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit. Gomez welcomed a record 500 guests for an evening where beauty came with a bigger purpose: raising funds and awareness for youth mental health issues.

Since launching Rare Beauty in 2020, Gomez has built a brand around boosting self-acceptance. That philosophy extends beyond the makeup bag through the Rare Impact Fund, which works to expand access to vital services and reduce the stigma around mental health conditions. The Fund, which aims to mobilize $100 million in contributions and receives 1 percent of Rare Beauty sales, has so far raised more than $30 million.

“It’s a really hard time to be kind to yourself when so much is happening. I don’t have it all figured out, but what I think that might help people is to feel everything,” Gomez told Vogue ahead of the event. “Feel whatever needs to come out of you. If it’s crying about something, if it’s being frustrated, once you get it out, it feels really freeing. Call someone, and distract yourself with good things, healthy things.”

When it comes to the everyday pressure to measure up to others, Gomez believes in embracing individuality. “Everybody wants to fix something or they think they need fixing,” she said. As such, she aims for Rare Beauty to help people feel confident in their own skin. “There’s nothing wrong. Makeup should be fun. It shouldn’t be about hiding; it’s more about embracing yourself.” When asked how she handles comparing herself to others, the chart-topping performer offered an honest answer: “I’m always wishing for the best. Day by day.”

That message of self-acceptance carried into the celebration. Inside the Hollywood Palladium’s ballroom, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly ranunculus, and chocolate roses brought Rare Beauty’s signature palette to life. Gomez changed into a second Prada look—a white gown adorned with cascading crystals—and caught up with Katy Perry as singer Bella Kay opened the benefit.

The evening’s welcome came from Elyse Cohen, president of the Rare Impact Fund, who greeted guests including America Ferrera, Shay Mitchell, and Jordan Chiles. Emmy winner Sean Hayes, best known as Jack from Will & Grace, emceed the Night of Radiance and Reflection-themed program. As Gomez herself took the stage, she recognized the Fund’s nonprofit partners, asking them to stand and be acknowledged.

Gomez went on to present the inaugural Katherine Short Legacy Award, named for the late daughter of her Only Murders in the Building costar Martin Short, who died by suicide last February at 42 years old. Katherine had dedicated her career to social work, helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.

“There is one part of tonight that means a lot to me,” Gomez said. “This award will carry her name forward by honoring people who have made that same kind of commitment to their communities. Marty has been my friend for many years, and I know how deeply he loved his family. I’m very grateful that he’s here tonight to help us present this award for the first time.”

Short brought a moment of levity to the stage before sharing a more personal reflection. “Selena is one of the most brilliant women in the world, and I’ve learned so much from her,” he said. “For example, until I worked with Selena, I always thought a selfie was something you did privately.”

The laughter soon gave way to a more somber moment as Short spoke about his daughter’s death. “It has been a very difficult year for me,” he said, describing the past eight months as nothing short of heartbreaking for his family. The actor reflected on Katherine’s death and the loss of his wife, who died of cancer, before addressing the painful reality that mental health conditions, like other illnesses, can sometimes be terminal. “Katherine fought for so long with extreme mental health issues, borderline personality disorder, and other things. And she did the best she could, until she couldn’t,” he said. Short praised Gomez’s efforts to raise funds and awareness, emphasizing that mental illness should not be “hidden in the shadows or perceived as a family embarrassment.”

Together, Gomez and Short presented the award to La Familia Counseling Center, honoring the Sacramento organization for its 50 years of service building trust and developing programs responsive to its community’s needs.

With the speeches concluded, dinner and the live auction got underway. Comfort food was on the menu, featuring Little Mac sliders—beef patties with pickles, special sauce, lettuce, and American cheese, served in boxes emblazoned with the Rare Impact Fund Benefit logo. Crispy fries and a garden platter of fresh vegetables rounded out the spread.

As guests tucked into dinner, they also raised their paddles in support of the cause, bidding on items that contributed to the total of almost $3 million raised. After the auction, Leon Bridges serenaded the room with a set list including “Texas Sun,” as Gomez and Blanco swayed together on the dance floor, bringing a night devoted to self-love to a tender close.

This article was originally published on Vogue.com.