Sophia Bush celebrates 31st bday by giving back

Sophia Bush had giving rather than receiving on the brain for her 31st birthday.

The actress celebrated on Monday night at Hotel Chantelle on the Lower East Side but specifically asked her guests not to bring gifts, dished a source. Instead, she asked pals to donate to the charity Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit that builds schools.

At the party, Bush and 30 of her closest friends took in live jazz tunes and indulged in a tasting menu from newly appointed executive chef -- and longtime Bush pal -- Seth Levine.