Co-chaired by Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini, the evening was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa where over 11 million of the 48 million orphans have lost one or both parents to AIDS. The event successfully raised a total of $ 5.5 million from ticket sales and a live auction. Gucci underwrote the event, and 100% of the proceeds will be split equally between the US Fund for UNICEF and Raising Malawi.

Joined by Madonna and Frida Giannini was a list of distinguished co-chairs, including Drew Barrymore, Arpad Busson, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, as well as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Téa Leoni and Lucy Liu.

The evening’s program included clips from Madonna’s documentary "I Am Because We Are," as well as guest speakers Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Matthews Chikaonda. Chris Rock then took the stage to co-host the live auction, with Christie’s Christopher Burge, of several luxury experience packages including a private tour of the Chateau LaTour vineyards, a Milanese excursion to the next Gucci fashion show, a sports lovers fantasy package, and a personal lifestyle experience with Madonna.

After the auction, Madonna introduced the first performer of the evening, Rihanna, who sang "Please Don’t Stop the Music" and her hit song "Umbrella," followed by Timbaland’s performance of "The Way I Are" with Keri Hilson. Nelly Furtado then joined Timbaland on stage and the two performed "Give It To Me." To conclude the performances, Alicia Keys belted her hit single "No One." The evening lasted until 12:30 a.m. with an after party featuring DJ Jus Ske.