Drake Gives Back in Houston for 2nd Annual HAW Event!

Over the weekend Hip Hop Star and Actor Drake returned to Houston to host his signature Houston Appreciation Weekend (HAW).  HAW is a weekend of charity driven events hosted by the Grammy Award Winning artist.  These events celebrated and honored his second home by assisting Houston ​non-profit organizations carry out their philanthropic missions within the community.  The centerpiece of this year’s charitable experience was his celebrity softball game, open to the public, benefiting the Houston Astros’ Urban Youth Academy.  Presented by his O.V.O imprint, the HAW Celebrity Softball game took place on Friday, May 22nd, at the University of Houston’s Cougar Field.

Founded as a tribute to the city where he felt his career began, HAW serves as a vehicle for Drake to raise both awareness and money for multiple charities based in Greater Houston.  Last year’s inaugural event benefitted several local organizations handpicked by Drake including the Houston Food Bank, Interfaith Ministries, Keep Houston Beautiful, and the T.J. Ford Foundation.  “Drake has a deep passion for working with underprivileged, handicapped, and terminally ill youth,” explains HAW event coordinator DeRonica Horn, CEO of Last eMpressions Event Design.  “He has a long history of not only using his star power to benefit various organizations, but also dedicating his personal time and money to the benefit of children internationally,” Horn continues.  Most recently the philanthropist partnered with Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia to help rebuild their music department by donating a state of the art recording studio to the students.

During the HAW celebration tons of celebrities including: Drake himself of course, Fetty Wap, Future and Lil Boosie hosted events and performed for thousands of fans all for a cause. The weekend also honored Professor and Houston Rapper Bun B for his contributions to the city. Check out our gallery below and share it!