Rihanna Donates $5,000 to Illinois High School

Singer's money will go to new school equipment

By Lily Harrison, Lindsay Good Jul 12, 2013 4:52 PMTags
RihannaVALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

Rihanna's giving back!

E! News has learned that the singer sent a check for $5,000 to Barrington High School in Illinois following her special appearance earlier this year.

Jeff Arnett, a spokesperson for the Barrington 220 School District, confirmed that the pop star's management had been in communication with school officials and had been planning the donation since March.

"The money will go to purchase new equipment for the students to use," Arnett explained. He also added that RiRi's staff was always very pleasant to work with throughout the entire experience.

On March 22, the singer performed a brief concert for the school as a grand prize for winning her "Shine Bright Like a Diamond" contest, in which Barrington High School students in the television department produced a video that highlighted their involvement with charitable organizations.

The huge check seemed to be icing on the cake for the school.

But with the good there's oftentimes the bad.

Rihanna caused a stir of controversy when she arrived four hours late for the school visit. Students waited anxiously for the singer to arrive while being offered free concert tickets and signed merchandise in an attempt to smooth things over.

School officials, however, are focusing on the singer's mea culpa and charitable efforts.

"She was late in coming that day and a lot of people waited anxiously for her appearance, and even though this money is late in coming, it's still appreciated," Arnett added.

Meanwhile, across the world, the singer was spotted parasailing before her concert at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club in the South of France.

The 25-year-old appeared to be having the time of her life as she had her closest girlfriends by her side for the fun ride.

Clad in just bikini bottoms and a tank top, Rihanna laughed and swung her head back as she soared through the air alongside a gal-pal.

She's currently in Europe for her Diamonds World Tour with upcoming dates in Scotland and the U.K.

The final show will be in Perth on Sept. 24 and will wrap up the months-long expedition for the singer.