It took one evening in Los Angeles to break a nine-year-old fundraising ceiling. Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Simonian, the founder of luxury watch retailer Westime, co-hosted the 13th Annual Arnold Schwarzenegger-Westime Charity Night at the actor's home. The event pulled in a staggering $9.75 million. That sum, confirmed by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative on October 14, 2026, sets a new benchmark for the annual gala.
The money isn't just sitting in a bank account. It's fuel for After-School All-Stars, the non-profit Schwarzenegger co-founded more than three decades ago. The organization operates at over 750 schools and community sites nationwide. Ben Paul, the group's CEO, noted that the funds keep doors open for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to educational enrichment. The organization serves nearly 150,000 young people through free after-school and summer learning.
The evening had a Western theme, complete with line dancing and a live auction. Two-time Grammy winner Mariachi Divas performed, and young mariachi artist Mateo Lopez sang the national anthem. Guests received custom tintype portraits and bolo ties. Wolfgang Puck Catering handled the food, with chefs Eric Klein and Garry Larduinat leading the charge. Boxer Ryan Garcia, artists like Hiro Yamagata, and brands such as Richard Mille contributed items to the auction.
Schwarzenegger has consistently used his platform to push for youth development. The event, which started as a small gathering of friends, has evolved into a major fundraising engine. It highlights a simple but critical truth: learning doesn't stop when the school bell rings. The next major milestone for the organization will likely be announced as it distributes these funds across its 750+ sites in the coming months.