Make It Right gala raises more than $4 million to build housing in New Orleans Lower 9th Ward

Make it Right supporters dropped more than $4 million into the charity’s coffers at a star-studded May 17 gala in New Orleans. Proceeds will support continued work in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward, where the charity, launched by actor Brad Pitt, has already built 100 homes for residents displaced after Hurricane Katrina.

Make It Right executive director Tom Darden confirmed the figure in an interview Friday (May 23). He expects more money to come in over the next few weeks as the group confirms pledges made at the party. About 750 people attended the gala.

“The turnout was smaller than when we first held a gala in 2012, but the value of the gifts were about the same,” Darden said. “It was a nice surprise. Getting this kind of big response early in the year front-loads our annual fundraising efforts and lets us plan more efficiently.”

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