What to know
- Drake hosted the third annual “Strong Women, Stronger Drinks” event at Casa Loma, celebrating hundreds of Toronto women with a luxury dinner, speeches, cash prizes and giveaways.
- The rapper gave away more than $500,000 in prizes, including $50,000 cash gifts for 10 women and several luxury vehicles as part of his effort to uplift and support women in the community.
- Inspired by a 2007 networking event called “What Women Want,” Drake said his annual celebration builds on the idea of creating a space where women can connect and feel appreciated.
- While many fans praised Drake’s generosity online, others questioned whether the money could have been directed toward women’s shelters or people facing greater financial need.
Drake gave away more than $500,000 in cash prizes and luxury cars on Tuesday – a move he said was his way of celebrating and uplifting women in Toronto.
‘Strong Women, Stronger Drinks’ is Canadian rapper Drake’s way of giving back to the community while also supporting women simultaneously.
The annual event celebrated its third year at the historic Casa Loma, where hundreds of women attended the exclusive wine-and-dine.
Attendees enjoyed food, cocktails, speeches from the man himself, and exuberant giveaways. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes were gifted to unsuspecting guests, and free luxury vehicles were given away.
According to media personality and comedian Cousin Tino, Drake addressed the crowd, explaining he hosts the event yearly after being inspired by a similar one called “What Women Want,” which was hosted by Shanay Engleton, in 2007.
“At ‘What Women Want,’ it was essentially women gathering to network, to socialize,” he explained. “To be a man at the event, you had to work, and I always loved that aspect of it. So we would show up in black, and we would work the event, and we would make sure everybody was taken care of, because that’s what the night was about.”
Drake added that his rendition elevated the concept, with video showing ten women attending the event being gifted $50,000 each.
An inside look
One attendee posted her experience of the unforgettable event on her social media.
“Last night wasn’t just about luxury, it was about possibility,” the modelling agency founder Janelle wrote. “A room filled with ambitious women…The reminder I left with? Keep working when no one is watching. The right rooms find you.”
Janelle added her experience involved meaningful conversations with other attendees, five-course meals and surprises that had left everyone speechless.
Multiple others also shared their excitement online at receiving a new car.
Online reaction
While the attendees of the events were stunned by what they had experienced, many fans at home felt the same, sharing their own gratitude toward the rapper.
“Drake for women 💖,” one Instagram user commented.
Others followed suit, showering the rapper in clapping emojis and other praise.
“You can’t compare to what he’s doing for people,” one X user wrote. “All the Goats took took took. He gives.”
While many fans supported the move, others weren’t as supportive of the event.
“Why not give the cash to women’s shelters?” one Instagram user questioned.
“It’d be nice if he gave back to people who need it… not people who already have it. But kudos,” another Instagram user wrote.
“I want him to do this for women who haven’t been hand-picked, for people who aren’t already rich, for people he can’t get anything from in return,” a different Instagram user said.
Despite the mixed reaction, many fans are already posting online asking for invitations to next year’s event.
