Megan Thee Stallion on honouring late parents with inaugural benefit gala

Megan Thee Stallion is paying tribute to her parents in a heartfelt way that’s making a real difference. 

On Wednesday, July 16, the Grammy-winning rapper hosted the first-ever gala for the Pete & Thomas Foundation at Gotham Hall in New York City. 

The event raised over $1.2 million, all going toward causes like education, housing, health, and wellness.

Speaking with PEOPLE at the event, Megan reflected on how proud she believes her parents would be of the path she’s taken. 

"I feel like they can see what I'm doing right now," she said. "I feel like they're looking down on me from heaven, and I feel like they're like, 'Yes, daughter.'"

With emotion, she continued, "I feel like my momma's so happy. I feel like she is clapping. I feel like my great grandma is so happy. I feel like my daddy is like, 'This is exactly what I knew my child was gonna do.' So yeah, I feel like they're super proud."

The Pete & Thomas Foundation, which Megan launched in 2022, is named in honor of her father, Joseph Pete Jr., who passed away when she was just 15, and her mother, Holly Thomas, who died from brain cancer in 2019. 

The foundation is focused on supporting underserved communities, particularly women, children, and seniors in Houston and beyond. 

According to the foundation’s website, their programs are rooted in "education, housing, health & wellness, and community goodwill."

Megan also made headlines at the gala for stepping out on the red carpet with her boyfriend, NBA star Klay Thompson. This marked the couple’s official red carpet debut after sharing their relationship more publicly earlier this month.