Celebrity and charity mingled at Alicia Keys' eighth annual Black Ball in New York.<br/> The gala celebrated the efforts of Keys' organization Keep a Child Alive, which helps children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.<br/> This year's event recognized late Beatle George Harrison's generous contributions.<br/> SOUNDBITE: Alicia Keys, singer, saying (English):<br/> "He was one of the first musical artists that created an event such as this where he invited his friends, his musician friends to really do something for a cause and it was the Concert for Bangladesh. So that's been 40 years and I think he really paved the way for an evening like tonight and we wanted to honor him for really having that vision."<br/> Since becoming a mom to one-year-old son Egypt, Keys says her enthusiasm for KCA has intensified.<br/> SOUNDBITE: Alicia Keys, singer, saying (English):<br/> "It's always been very important to me and that passion hasn't wavered but I do think understanding a child and what if my child was totally left out there and nobody paid any attention to his needs, you know, it does make it all that more powerful."<br/> And Black Eyed Peas front man will.i.am feels that power, saying Keys' charity efforts are the real deal.<br/> SOUNDBITE: will.i.am, musician, saying (English):<br/> "She's not some artist and the managers doing all the work. This is her, so I have to applaud her, I would travel all around the world, I would come from Mars to earth to help her out and do the things I can do to make this event and her philanthropy successful."<br/> And successful it was.<br/> This year's ball raised over raised over $3 million U.S. dollars.<br/> Alicia Powell, Reuters.
