Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation hosts 3rd annual gala to honor late singer’s 61st birthday
ATLANTA (WISH) — The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, in collaboration with Primary Wave Music, is set to host its 3rd Annual Gala on Friday, what would have been the singer’s 61st birthday, at the prestigious St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta.
This year’s event commemorates the 30th anniversary of her groundbreaking post-apartheid visit to South Africa, where she became the first major artist to perform in the newly unified nation following Nelson Mandela’s election as president.
Houston performed more than 601 concert dates during her lifetime, including 12 benefit concerts. She also made more than 23 notable appearances and 49 award-show performances.
Of Houston’s 10 concert tours, she performed in Indianapolis three times. On Oct. 19, 1985, the singer performed at Clowes Memorial Hall during her U.S. Summer Tour in support of her debut album. The singer’s second stop in Indianapolis came on August 16, 1986, when the singer performed a sold-out show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum during ‘The Greatest Love World Tour’.
Her last show in the Circle City was on July 17, 1987, during her “Moment of Truth World Tour”‘” when she performed in front of another sold-out crowd, this time at Market Square Arena.
Star-Studded Performances
The gala will feature a special performance by four-time Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams, who will headline the event. She will be joined on stage by Gary Houston, Whitney’s brother and longtime collaborator, along with Gregory Sams and Denisia, winners of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation’s Cover Song Competition. The event will be hosted by Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight and Pat Houston, president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. Clive Davis, the legendary music executive and close friend of Whitney, will serve as the Honorary Chair.
Philanthropy and Legacy
A key highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a charity grant to Mirriam Solani Mazibuko, director of the Orlando Children’s Home in South Africa. This organization, which Whitney Houston supported during her 1994 tour, continues to benefit from the Foundation’s ongoing efforts. Recently, Pat Houston and members of the Foundation visited South Africa to reconnect with the Orlando Children’s Home and revisit locations significant to Whitney’s historic trip.
“Our recent visit to South Africa was incredibly moving,” said Pat Houston. “It was a reminder of the deep impact Whitney had on the country and how her legacy continues to inspire and uplift. The tree she planted at the Nelson Mandela Museum is still flourishing, surrounded by love, just as she would have wanted.”
Fundraising and Scholarships
The annual gala, traditionally held on Whitney Houston’s birthday, serves as a major fundraiser for the Foundation. Proceeds will support scholarships for students studying the arts at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The event will also feature a silent and online auction on Charity Buzz, offering exclusive items and experiences, including original artwork, luxury vacations, and tickets to major events like the U.S. Open.
Continuing Whitney’s Legacy
The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation was established in 2020 by the Estate of Whitney E. Houston to continue the charitable work initiated by the late superstar. The Foundation focuses on empowering youth through programs that rebuild self-esteem and encourage productive lives. Whitney’s charitable efforts began with the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children in 1989, supporting causes ranging from homelessness to childhood diabetes and international children’s charities.
In 1997, Whitney’s commitment to education and the arts was honored when her elementary school in East Orange, New Jersey, was renamed The Whitney E. Houston Academy for Performing & Creative Arts.
Supporting the Foundation
For more information about the gala or to support the Foundation’s mission, click here.