AUBURN GRESHAM — Rapper Kanye West has donated $133,000 to Donda's House.
Proceeds came from the series of performances West put on for his Louis Vuitton Foundation concert. The donation is a record for the organization, whose mission is to honor the educational legacy of his mother, Donda West.
The Chicago organization launched in 2013 by West, Che "Rhymefest" Smith, and Donnie Smith works with youths interested in music and the arts.
“Kanye’s generosity is greatly appreciated and will improve our capacity with new staff as we deliver the high-quality arts programming that our participants deserve," said Donnie Smith, executive director of Donda’s House.
The organization's creative director, Rhymefest, said West has helped Donda's House grow, which in turn has helped more than 160 Chicago youths.
West is also noted for his design work in the fashion industry, including his relationship with the Louis Vuitton Fashion House and the Louis Vuitton Foundation. To close Paris Fashion Week, West performed four concerts March 7-10 on the outskirts of Paris in Bois de Boulogne and quickly announced his donation to Donda’s House.
"This is a great honor and a true tribute to his mother’s legacy, who did so much for young artists," Smith said.
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