Music fans gathered at the Daisy Chain Fields festival in Irvine, California, for a surprise announcement that could double the impact of their charitable giving. After her set, pop star Olivia Rodrigo revealed that philanthropist Melinda French Gates would match every donation made at the event, taking the total raised for women‑focused nonprofits from $10 million to $20 million.
Festival highlights and charitable focus
Rodrigo, who launched the inaugural female‑driven festival in June, thanked the lineup of artists who performed for free, noting that the event’s purpose was to empower women and girls. “I really believe that giving women the tools to decide their own futures and live healthy lives free of violence and discrimination is the most effective tool we have at changing the world for the better,” she said, citing Gates as a leading example of that mission.
Gates, former wife of Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates, took the stage alongside Rodrigo and praised the crowd’s generosity. “When women and girls come together to dream and to lead, we change the world,” she said, emphasizing the lasting impact of the donations beyond the festival lights.
Beneficiary organizations
The $20 million will be split equally among ten organizations that serve women and girls, including Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Center for Reproductive Rights, FreeFrom, Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Institute for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Center, and Planned Parenthood.
Entertainment lineup
The festival featured performances by Chappell Roan, Garbage, Doechii, Not For Radio, the Breeders, Bikini Kill, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, and Eli. Guest appearances included Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan, who joined Rodrigo for duets and highlighted the influence of McLachlan’s Lilith Fair on the event’s vision.
Despite a last‑minute cancellation by Katseye due to an injury, the day continued with a surprise set by Devon Again, filling the slot and keeping the momentum alive.
Rodrigo’s announcement and Gates’ matching pledge underscore a growing trend of high‑profile entertainers and philanthropists collaborating to support charitable causes at large‑scale community events.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
