Melinda Gates makes $10 million donation at Olivia Rodrigo benefit show

Melinda French Gates made a surprise appearance at Olivia Rodrigo's benefit concert. According to a Fortune report, Gates announced a $10 million donation, helping the event raise a total of $20 million for organisations working on women's health, rights and well-being. Melinda Gates, who pledged the money through her organisation Pivotal Ventures, praised the Grammy-winning singer for using her platform to bring young people closer to important social causes. “Showing a new generation how much their voices matter,” Gates said while recognising Rodrigo's efforts at the event. The benefit show, called Daisy Chain Fields, was held in Irvine, California, and brought together music, activism and fundraising. The event featured a women-led lineup including Chappell Roan, Doechii and Bikini Kill. Olivia Rodrigo's benefit show raises $20 million Olivia Rodrigo had earlier announced that the event had raised enough money to make a $10 million donation to 10 nonprofit organisations. The groups included Planned Parenthood, the National Women's Law Center and Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Gates' surprise $10 million pledge doubled the amount raised. The 23-year-old singer said the artists and activists involved in the event gave her hope despite what she described as the “regression of women’s rights” today. “That’s actually why I fell in love with the name ‘Daisy Chain,’” Rodrigo said. “It served as a reminder of how individual parts can come together to create something strong and unbreakable.” Melinda Gates praises Olivia Rodrigo for reaching a new generation Melinda French Gates' appearance was one of the biggest moments of the benefit show. Her donation through Pivotal Ventures highlighted the growing role that celebrities and musicians can play in connecting younger audiences with charitable causes. Rodrigo's event also gave attendees a chance to learn directly about the work of nonprofit groups. Organisations set up booths in what was described as a “philanthropy village,” where fans could learn about health services, workers' rights and other issues supported by the fundraiser. The event drew inspiration from Lilith Fair, the all-women music festival that raised $10 million for charity between 1997 and 1999. Sarah McLachlan, who founded Lilith Fair, also performed with Rodrigo at the show.