Stars step out for Pencils of Promise 2018 Gala

Wednesday night's 2018 Pencils of Promise Gala taking place in Brooklyn brought out a slew of stars.

From "Dancing With The Stars" alum Val Chmerkovskiy to Tori Kelly and Bazzi, celebrities came together to raise over $3 million for the non-profit, which helps to build schools and increase educational opportunity in developing countries. While Justin Bieber was the honorary event chairman of the night, alongside manager Scooter Braun, the 24-year-old singer was a no-show.

The non-profit, founded by Adam Braun, celebrated their 10th-anniversary at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where AOL caught up with Braun to talk about why Pencils of Promise began.

"I think education is the great enabler of every person's ultimate potential. We have a tremendous amount of children around the world who don't have access to even the most basic education. I think it's every person's responsibility to make an impact whether it's large or small and partake in the lives of children. That's what we've set out to do here and now 10 years later we've been fortunate to have a tremendous impact but we still have the ambition to do a lot more," Braun explained.

"It's very special. I walked in the room and was surprised by certain people that have flown in from around the world to be here for a night. It just means the world that a small-seeming idea can become something so much bigger for so many people and that 10 years later a night like this can happen," he added.