Jay-Z Hosts Carnival for a Good Cause

It was all fun and games as Jay-Z hosted a magical evening to benefit the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation at Pier 54 in New York City on Thursday (Sept. 29). Tickets for the carnival-themed “Making the Ordinary Extraordinary” event cost $1,000 apiece, with proceeds going towards his organization, which helps those with socio-economic hardships pursue higher education.

Mr. Carter smoked a cigar and laughed it up with his Yankees pal Alex Rodriguez inside the lavish affair. His proud mother Gloria Carter, who is CEO of the foundation, raffled off a Chrysler 300 to one lucky man. Guests enjoyed rides such as the Sizzler and the Zipper, dined on fancy fare from Momofuku Milk Bar and the Spotted Pig, and played games including darts, Whac-a-Mole, and basketball shootout. Instead of winning novelty items, prizes included Gibson guitars, Prada glasses, Nobu gift certificates, and Nets tickets.

Envy all the action by checking out photos from the festivities.