The key facts

  • The gala took place on October 28 in Los Angeles; Jimmy Kimmel hosted and Charli XCX performed
  • Airbnb will contribute 10 cents from every booking — with a goal of $500 million over five years
  • Airbnb's nonprofit, Airbnb.org, was founded in 2020 and provides free temporary housing

A gala evening that took the internet by surprise

Airbnb's nonprofit organization held its first-ever gala on Wednesday, October 28, in Los Angeles, and the reaction on social media was mostly bewilderment: many users had no idea the company even had a charitable foundation, let alone one that throws red-carpet receptions. The evening was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, with a live performance by Charli XCX, the menu was prepared by chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen, and guests included Serena Williams, Demi Lovato, Charlize Theron and Cynthia Erivo, TechCrunch reports.

What the organization is and why the gala was held

The foundation was launched by Airbnb in 2020 and provides free temporary housing to families affected by crises and natural disasters. According to the company, the gala was timed to the launch of a new initiative: starting on the day of the event, Airbnb will contribute a portion of its commercial revenue from every booked stay — exactly 10 cents. According to the company, over the next five years this should bring the foundation $500 million, which will go toward providing one million free nights of housing annually. The initiative will also expand support: in addition to disaster victims, help will go to families forced to leave their homes due to domestic violence, veterans in need, and people traveling for medical reasons. For scale: Airbnb's revenue last year was $12.2 billion.

Fundraising was not the goal of the evening

An Airbnb representative declined to disclose the cost of tables at the event, explaining that the evening was dedicated to the foundation's supporters and to 'opening the next chapter of our work.' According to the company, guests could make donations, but 'fundraising was not the goal of the evening,' and the foundation 'did not set a fundraising target.' Airbnb did not say whether the gala will become a regular event.

Reaction and context

On social media, users were surprised by the very existence of an 'Airbnb gala' and the presence of A-list stars at it. TechCrunch notes that the event is another example of how a charity evening allows an organization to gather wealthy donors and attract media attention, while also reminding the public that Airbnb helps those in need rather than only making headlines for its negative impact on the housing market. Meanwhile, in September 2026 the European Commission already took measures against short-term rentals affecting the sector in which the company operates.