Roofman has hit the big screen, retelling the almost surreal true story of Jeffrey Manchester, an Army veteran and father whose life took a dramatic turn into the criminal underground in early-2000s North Carolina.
On Monday, September 29, the New York Hilton hosted one of sports and philanthropyโs most meaningful nights: The Great Sports Legends Dinner, benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.ย
The event, now in its fourth decade, honored ten iconic athletes while raising both awareness and critical funding for research into paralysis and neurological disorders. While Marc Buoniconti couldnโt be there this year, the night was also a celebration of his 59th birthday while continuing a legacy that blends athletic greatness with humanitarian impact.
This yearโs honorees: MLB titan Albert Pujols, NBA legends Dominique Wilkins and Dwight Howard, NFL icons Warren Moon and Thurman Thomas, NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, NHL great Jeremy Roenick, Olympic speedskater Apolo Ohno, golf trailblazer Michelle Wie West, and racing legend Frankie Dettori.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Mario Gabelli, Dwight Howard, Frankie Dettori, Dominique Wilkins, Emilio Estefan, Thurman Thomas, Gloria Estefan, Kurt Busch, Bob Costas, Michelle Wie, Warren Moon, Albert Pujols, Jeremy Roenick, Apolo Ohno and Barth Green attend The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysisโ 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, at the Hilton Midtown. The event raises the much-needed funds for The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of medicine and the worldโs premier spinal cord injury research center. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
“It’s an honor to be here with the greatsโsome legends that I grew up watching,” said Dwight Howard, reflecting on his place among the elite group. Looking ahead, Howard shared what heโs most excited for: โTo be with my wife, raise my kids, and enjoy life.โ
The event is more than just a dinner; it is the beating heart of The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, based at the University of Miami. The Fund was born from tragedy- when Marc Buoniconti was paralyzed in a college football game- but has since raised millions to advance research for spinal cord injury, ALS, Alzheimerโs, Parkinsonโs, stroke, and more- thanks to his efforts, the efforts of his father Nick Buoniconti, the former NFL Hall of Fame linebacker (captain of the 1972 Dolphins), and Dr. Barth Green.
Instagram / @marcbuoniconti
โWe all have someone in our families who are dealing with some form of paralysis,โ noted NBA legend Dominique Wilkins. โWe have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help them, help themselves.โ
Apolo Ohno echoed that sentiment: โThe fact that theyโve turned this devastation into something that people can rally behindโฆthat they can dedicate their time and invest their own monies into funding research, itโs incredible.โ
Christian Slaterโs first time attending the event was back in 2015, and 10 years later, he praised the community it’s built: โThe fact that weโre here celebrating Dr. Barth Greene is also a huge deal. Heโs been a legend and has done so much for so many people.โ
Dr. Barth Green received the 2025 Buoniconti Fund Award while Mario Gabelli was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.ย
Hosted by Gloria Estefan and Bob Costas with a performance by Foreigner, Estefan noted since first emceeing this event, โWeโve made a lot of technological and scientific advancements that are going to better, not only the chances of people with paralysis to walk again, but people with ALS, Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinsonโsโฆ So, I feel very honored and privileged to be a part of it in any way.โ Gloria and Emilio Estefan donated $40,000 in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the dinner.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Kelly Hansen, Chris Frazier, Jeff Pilson, Luis Maldonado, Bruce Watson and Michael Bluestein of Foreigner attend The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysisโ 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, at the Hilton Midtown. The event raises the much-needed funds for The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of medicine and the worldโs premier spinal cord injury research center. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
Title Sponsors were The DiMare Family and the Paul J. DiMare Foundation while presenting Sponsors were Tudor Group and The Mack Family.
Director Shane Black has returned to the big screen with Play Dirty: a sharp-edged thriller that marks an evolution of the Parker crime saga, with Mark Wahlberg taking the lead. He steps into the role of a coldly efficient professional thief whose latest job goes wrong at nearly every turn.ย
HBOโs Task, created by Brad Ingelsby, is a crime drama set against the backdrop of suburban Philadelphiaโbut its focus extends well beyond the surface of a traditional cops-and-robbers narrative.ย
Reagan To has accomplished more in her young life than many do in a lifetime. Her interests know no bounds as her career has spanned voice acting, screen work, and award-winning ballroom dance, and sheโs quickly emerged as a formidable young talent in entertainment.ย
Now playing in theaters worldwide, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ delivers a spirited evolution of the beloved franchise, blending old and new.
After 7 years and 5 seasonsโฆ Joe Goldberg is saying โGoodbye, You.โ
The new series unfolds in a world where the rules are written in blood, power is currency, and family is the only thing more powerful than fear.ย
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With the upcoming release of new slasher film โHeart Eyesโ, Gooding brings charm, chaos, and killer Instincts.
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