*The Harold and Carole Pump Foundation marked its 25th anniversary in grand fashion Friday night, raising more than $2.8 million for cancer care and research at its annual Celebrity Dinner. The black-tie gala drew a mix of sports icons, entertainment legends, and Hollywood power players — all united in support of a cause that’s touched nearly every family.
This year’s milestone celebration honored Aaron Donald, Barry Bonds, Spike Lee, and Wayne Gretzky with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Reggie McKnight and RJ Melman were recognized with the Humanitarian Award. The evening wasn’t just about the awards — it was about heartfelt stories, star-powered performances, and millions raised to keep advancing the fight against cancer.
On stage, baseball legend Barry Bonds turned his spotlight into a moment for his mother. “As an honoree, I have a lot of trophies and I want to present something,” Bonds told the packed ballroom. “My mother has always been there for us – she’s the one who took me to Little League and made me go play baseball. She never asked for anything. We all got trophies and awards, and my mom never wanted to be in the front seat. So this trophy, mom, has your name on it.”
The foundation was born out of a promise. “Twenty-five years ago, I made a promise to my late father that my brother and I would try to make a difference in our community – not through words, but through actions,” said co-founder David Pump. “Tonight, my heart is full.” His brother Dana Pump added, “I’m blessed, I am really, really blessed. I’m so thankful to so many people.”
NBA legend Magic Johnson also paid tribute to the Pump brothers, telling the audience, “A lot of times we forget that our parents helped us achieve our goals and dreams, but when we think about these two young men saying, ‘You know what? Thank you, Mom and Dad.’”
The gala featured a performance by GRAMMY-nominated artist Robin Thicke, who kept guests on their feet. The foundation’s signature auctions also drew big bids, offering everything from rare sports memorabilia to luxury travel packages.
The red carpet reflected the foundation’s reach. Stars in attendance included Shaquille O’Neal, Cedric the Entertainer, Johnny Gill, Jonathan Majors, Judge Mathis, Mario Lopez, Meagan Good, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Storm Reid, Sammy Sosa, and Steve Garvey, among many others.
Former MLB great Darryl Strawberry reflected on perseverance: “If you do have a dream and you believe in it, it can work. No matter what you go through, life is gonna have some challenges. That’s how you learn how to become better at what you do… it’s not just about sports, it’s about life.”
Meanwhile, L.A. native and former St. Louis Cardinal star Eric Davis spoke about giving back through baseball: “I had to make a commitment to the youth behind me. That’s the only way we stay connected — if we give what was given to us back.”
And filmmaker Spike Lee, in between celebrating his honor, gave a nod to his decades-long collaboration with Denzel Washington as August 15th marked the release of “Highest to Lowest,” their fifth collaboration.
“Artists don’t stay static. They evolve. Every time we work together, I learn something new about Denzel. It’s an honor and a privilege.”
Even on the entertainment side, the legacy runs deep. Johnny Gill revealed that New Edition is gearing up for a 2026 Legacy Tour with Jodeci, telling EUR …
“We worked hard, and God saw fit to continue to keep us here. This is our true destiny.”
With $2.8 million raised and a room full of legends, the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation showed why its annual dinner remains one of Los Angeles’ premier charity events — equal parts glamour and legacy.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
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The post Harold & Carole Pump Foundation 25th Anniversary Dinner Raises $2.8 Million — Aaron Donald, Barry Bonds, Spike Lee Honored | WATCH appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.