Keys' brother raises $250,000 for singer's charity at 21st birthday party

Singer ALICIA KEYS' brother COLE COOK raised $250,000 (GBP156,250) for his sister's charity during his 21st birthday party at the weekend (24-25Mar12).

The No One hitmaker toasted her sibling's milestone by hosting a big bash at New York City hotspot SL on Saturday (24Mar12) but in lieu of presents, Cole directed his pals to make a donation to Keys' foundation Keep a Child Alive (KCA), which provides support to those affected by HIV/AIDs, after making an inspiring trip to Africa.

Uploading a personal vacation snap onto the organisation's website, Cole wrote, "As you can see in the photo, I was really moved by the children I met in South Africa and it inspired me to dedicate my birthday to Keep a Child Alive. The trip I took to South Africa with KCA in 2010 really opened my eyes to the problems faced by our global community. I want to do anything I can to help the children, please join me."

And the Grammy Award-winning singer was deeply moved by her brother's generosity - posting a message on her Twitter.com account on Saturday, she said, "Today is my amazing brother @cole_cook birthday!!! he's so fly he donated his bday 2 KCA!! Lets show him love!!"

Keys' music producer husband Swizz Beatz also made the evening extra special by gifting his brother-in-law 21 bottles of Ace of Spades champagne and jumping on the turntables to give him a shout-out.

Later posting a snap of the evening on his Twitter page, Cole wrote, "Thanks Everyone for all my Birthday Wishes! Crazy Night with family and friends!!"