The biggest and brightest names in sports, entertainment, and philanthropy helped raise $5 million dollars for The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis on Oct. 5 in New York City.
An incredible lineup of Sports Hall of Famers, World Champions and Olympic Gold Medalists put the play to power up and made a crucial difference in the futures of thousands in need across America. The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis’ 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner presented by Tudor Group and the Mack Family at the New York Hilton proudly honored Sports Legends Rob Gronkowski, Shaun White, Laila Ali, Misty May-Treanor, Dale Jarrett, Andruw Jones, Chris Webber, Chamique Holdsclaw, Mark Recchi, John Randle and Edgar Prado.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: (L-R) Rob Gronkowski and Gloria Estefan speak during the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on October 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
Each moving speech was full of inspirational messages as well as a hopeful presentation and advocacy. The night most importantly raised awareness and crucial funds for research and treatment related to spinal cord and brain injuries and neurological diseases and disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis and stroke.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard (2nd R) attends the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on October 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
Eleven-time Grammy Award winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree Gloria Estefan, who credits the organization for her recovery after her spinal cord injury during a tour bus accident in the 90s, served as mistress of ceremonies. Multiple Grammy Award Winning Pop-Rock group Train performed at the event. Former NBA player Shane Battier received The Buoniconti Fund Award. Bob Costas, a 28-time Emmy Award winner and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, narrated the video tributes for the Legends.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: Chamique Holdsclaw speaks during the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on October 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
Other notables in attendance included Emilio Estefan Jr, Erin Lichy, Miranda Hope, Kaleb Winterburn and over 800 guests who truly had their hearts in the game of gala season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: (L-R) Mark Dalton, Reed Mack and Gloria Estefan speak during the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner To Benefit The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis at New York Hilton Midtown on October 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
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