Usher Attends Pencils of Promise Gala in NYC | Pictures

Usher hit the town last night for the second annual Pencils of Promise gala at Guastavino's in NYC. He met up with friends Scooter Braun and Adam Braun, the organization's founder, on the red carpet, where Jessica Szohr, Cash Warren, and Jessica Stam also posed.

Inside the event, Usher was honored by Pencils of Promise for his work in helping to create schools and sustainable education programs around the world. The evening also included a performance by singer Tory Kelly and an auction, with proceeds benefiting the charity. Usher donated private dance lessons, though he also got in on the bidding himself. Usher bid $12,000 for a Goldendoodle puppy and came away with a win over Jessica Szohr, who offered $11,000. After the victory, he tweeted, "It took me 2 years but I outbid everyone this year to bring Poppy home."