Megan Thee Stallion popped out on the red carpet on July 16th for her inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation gala at New York’s Gotham Hall with her new NBA beau, Klay Thompson. Their burgeoning romance helped bring more spotlight to the evening’s goal of sharing the foundation’s philanthropic work with the world.
How Did the Foundation Get Its Name?
Megan created the foundation three years ago as a way to honor the memories of her late parents, Joseph Pete III and Holly Thomas. Thomas was also a rapper. She deeply inspired Megan and helped shepherd her career until a brain tumor claimed her life in 2019.
The gala was held to support the foundation’s programming efforts. Taraji P. Henson served as the emcee for the evening. The award-winning actress is dedicated to promoting healthcare access and has spoken openly about the need for mental healthcare resources within the Black community. Megan has previously championed the exact cause.
The Mission of The Pete & Thomas Foundation
The mission of Pete & Thomas Foundation “provides resources to effect meaningful and positive change in the lives of women and children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, TX and across the globe,” according to its website.
To achieve their goals, the foundation works in collaboration with others. Between 2022 and 2024, the foundation has partnered with over 125 community organizations to support more than 23,000 individuals, making a significant impact in their lives. Megan speaks openly about the organization’s mission.
What Are Their Main Areas of Focus?
Megan launched a digital mental health resource directory in 2022. The site was named after a saucy but soulful lyric from “Anxiety,” a powerful track from her Traumazine album. The song was released after Megan experienced the trauma of physical violence at the hands of someone in her circle, something that disproportionately impacts Black women.
The Pete & Thomas Foundation offers services and grants to communities. Its programming is split into three distinct areas: education, housing, and health and wellness. These form the foundation’s core pillars. It is particularly active in Megan’s home state of Texas.
Megan is Particularly Passionate About This Area.
Education, in particular, is a top priority for the rapper who stayed in school as she ascended to the top of the rap charts. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Administration from Texas Southern University in 2021. Megan previously expressed a desire to open an assisted living facility in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She has discussed the importance of elder care in interviews.
The Pete & Thomas Foundation has awarded scholarships to students at Texas Southern University pursuing degrees in public health fields. Visible Black leaders in public health help create a blueprint for greater representation in the field. Black women, in particular, face extraordinary barriers to building careers in public health. As pathways to professional advancement are disappearing, help from non-profits is even more urgent.
Texas Southern University is an HBCU that has received support from Beyoncé, a collaborator on Megan’s “Savage Remix,” through her BeyGood foundation.
They also supported student athletes at Audrey H. Lawson Middle School through targeted grants.
Megan Believes We All Can Do Something to Help Others
Megan shared tips for supporting communities on the carpet in an interview with Billboard. “You have to know what your community needs,” she said. “If you’re in an underserved community, figure out what it is that your community needs from you that you can directly do.”
She encouraged others to think from a grassroots perspective.
“You can maybe put together some things at a local school,” she suggested. “Your community needs to be served, but you need to figure out how to serve it.”
Putting a Spotlight on Those Making a Difference
The Foundation’s Hotties Helping grant program helps people recognize each other for the positive contributions they make to their community through acts of service. Hotties, the official nickname of Megan’s feverish fanbase, can recommend one another for a chance to get their non-profit supported by the foundation.
Megani encourages people to nominate those who work in public service, such as teachers, healthcare workers, or volunteers.
Learn more about the Pete & Thomas Foundation here.
@petethomasfdn Founded by Megan Thee Stallion in honor of her parents, the Pete and Thomas Foundation is committed to uplifting women, children, senior citizens and underserved communities through education, housing, community goodwill and health & wellness. Since 2022, the Foundation has expanded its impact by launching mental health initiatives, supporting senior citizens with generators, supporting families with resources, and providing scholarships to students in Houston and across the globe. Featured at the Pete & Thomas Foundation Inaugural Gala on July 16th at Gotham Hall in New York City, we have proudly partnered with 150 community organizations and served over 30,000 people. Learn more and get involved: www.peteandthomasfoundation.org #PeteAndThomasGala ♬ original sound – Pete & Thomas Foundation
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