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V Foundation’s Boo-Yah Gala Raises $3.1 Million to Support Equity in Cancer Research

by Nyah Davis
written by Nyah Davis

On December 10th, the V Foundation hosted their annual Boo-Yah Gala in NYC. The event sheds light on The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, as well as ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary, Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which premiered on ESPN the same day.

V Foundation for Cancer Research has spent more than three decades funding critical cancer research. Founded by NBA basketball player and coach, Jim Valvano, he “turned his own cancer journey into a legacy” by teaming up with ESPN to form the foundation. Valvano’s overall mission was to help save lives from the impact of cancer.

The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund‘s Boo-Yah event partners with the V Foundation to unite cancer advocates and support growth in  research, and simultaneously honors the life of the ESPN sportscaster, who passed away of cancer in 2015.

More specifically, Boo-Yah supports cancer research led by researchers working to address cancer disparities in underserved communities.

President and Executive Director of the V Foundation, Susan Scott, told The Knockturnal, “No one grows up recognizing [that] we need equitable participation in cancer research.” She continued, “That is why the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund within the V Foundation is so critical.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss received the inaugural Stuart Scott IMPACT Award for his support of cancer research and his influence on advancing awareness within the sports community. Moss, a cancer survivor and passionate advocate, discussed his own experience, Scott’s impact, and the importance of supporting marginalized patients.

After a full night of auctioning and winning items, Boo-Yah raised over $3.1 million for disparities in cancer research.

When asked how donors at home can get involved with the V Foundation, President and CEO of ESPN, James Pitaro told The Knockturnal, “They should know that 100% of their contributions go towards research.” He explained, “Just google ‘V Foundation’ and make a donation online. We thank everyone for their amazing support.”

More than $400 million has been raised for the V Foundation, with over $200 million coming from ESPN’s support, according to Pitaro.

Producer and director of the Boo-Yah documentary, Andre Gaines, emphasized the “special resonance” of the night, with the fundraising event and film releasing on the same day.

Supporters can expect a glimpse of who Scott was behind the SportsCenter desk, the challenges he faced with appendiceal cancer, and the impact of his legacy in Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which is available on ESPN, the ESPN app and Disney+.

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The 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner to Support The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

by Bianca Velazquez
written by Bianca Velazquez

On Monday, September 29, the New York Hilton hosted one of sports and philanthropy’s most meaningful nights: The Great Sports Legends Dinner, benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. 

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 couldn’t 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 year’s 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. 

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 Paralysis’ 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 world’s 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 greats—some legends that I grew up watching,” said Dwight Howard, reflecting on his place among the elite group. Looking ahead, Howard shared what he’s most excited for: “To be with my wife, raise my kids, and enjoy life.”

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, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 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

“We all have someone in our families who are dealing with some form of paralysis,” noted NBA legend Dominique Wilkins. “We have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help them, help themselves.”

Apolo Ohno echoed that sentiment: “The fact that they’ve turned this devastation into something that people can rally behind…that they can dedicate their time and invest their own monies into funding research, it’s incredible.”

Christian Slater’s first time attending the event was back in 2015, and 10 years later, he praised the community it’s built: “The fact that we’re here celebrating Dr. Barth Greene is also a huge deal. He’s been a legend and has done so much for so many people.”

Dr. Barth Green received the 2025 Buoniconti Fund Award while Mario Gabelli was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. 

Hosted by Gloria Estefan and Bob Costas with a performance by Foreigner, Estefan noted since first emceeing this event, “We’ve 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, Parkinson’s… So, I feel very honored and privileged to be a part of it in any way.” Gloria and Emilio Estefan donated $40,000 in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the dinner. 

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 Paralysis’ 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 world’s 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.

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Gordon Parks Foundation Honors Anna Wintour, Rashid Johnson & More at Annual Arts & Social Justice Gala

by Kadeem Lundy
written by Kadeem Lundy

On Tuesday, May 20th, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, Anna Wintour, fashion model and activist Bethann Hardison, artist Rashid Johnson, and civil rights ambassador Andrew Young were honored at this year’s Gordon Parks Foundation Gala.

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Honoring Excellence: The 2024 Root 100 Gala at the Apollo Theater

by JaMir Robert
written by JaMir Robert

On Thursday, December 5, the prestigious 2024 Root 100 Gala took center stage at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, celebrating this year’s most influential Black Americans. Hosted by the brilliant comedian Roy Wood Jr., the evening featured powerhouse performances by Grammy-nominated Andra Day and the incomparable Ledisi, creating a memorable night of inspiration and celebration.

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Celebrating Legacy and Activism: Highlights from the Second Annual Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Gala

by JaMir Robert
written by JaMir Robert

The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) hosted its second annual Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Gala at Racket NYC. This inspiring event, presented by the official nonprofit of the historic Stonewall Inn, celebrated the legacy of the LGBTQ+ movement while raising funds to support grassroots organizations advocating for equality and inclusion worldwide.

 

One of the night’s most moving moments came from Billy Porter, recipient of the Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Icon Award, who delivered a show-stopping performance of his powerful new song “Not Today!” I’m so happy to see Billy Porter getting his flowers—his outspokenness and dedication to truth are what truly resonate. His voice, both literally and figuratively, has become a powerful anthem for so many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Peppermint, the gala dazzled attendees with a lineup of entertainment that radiated inspiration and community spirit. A standout moment was Peppermint’s vibrant homage to Janet Jackson, performing “Together Again” with electrifying energy that had the room buzzing.

The evening featured a star-studded roster of honorees, presenters, and performers including:

•Punkie Johnson SNL alum, comedian, and Gala presenter

•Dominique Jackson Gala presenter and inaugural Icon Award recipient

•AlaskaRuPaul’s Drag Race alum and Gala performer

•76th Street musical duo and Gala performer

•Kevin Aviance drag artist and featured performer

•Dana Goldberg comedian and Gala live auction host

•Additional presenters: content creators Josh Helfgott and RaeShanda Lias, actors Brigette Lundy-Paine and Tomás Matos, filmmaker Tina Romero, and drag artist Yuhua Hamasaki

The honorees included:

•Kayla GoreCommunity Activist Award recipient

•Daniela Lourdes FalangaGlobal Activist Award recipient

•Puck CarlsonBilly Bean Youth Courage Award recipient

•Jon TilliSafe Spaces Champion Award recipient

This year, honorees received hand-blown glass awards created by renowned glassblower Deborah Czeresko (Blown Away). These one-of-a-kind keepsakes pay homage to the legendary brick thrown during the 1969 protest that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

The live auction, hosted by Dana Goldberg, featured curated products and experiences donated by SIGBI sponsors. A highlight of the evening was the silent auction, where an original Stonewall brick sold for an impressive $7,000.

This extraordinary gala was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including AEG, Brooklyn Brewery, Deutsche Bank, Hornitos Tequila, Jägermeister, JetBlue, Method + Metric, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Stoli.  Proceeds from the event will benefit SIGBI’s grassroots advocacy initiatives and its Safe Spaces certification program, which ensures businesses and venues worldwide uphold policies that protect and serve LGBTQ+ individuals.

The night would not have been possible without the leadership of Stacy Lentz SIGBI co-founder and CEO, and Kurt Kelly SIGBI co-founder.

This historic event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Stonewall but also reinforced its ongoing impact. The Stonewall Inn remains far more than a landmark—it’s a fortified community and a beacon of hope for generations to come. Hornitos’ PRIDE 365 initiative was highlighted in the article in some way as well – the sponsorship of this event was just another opportunity to support those who express themselves to the fullest – championing the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year!! You can find more details on the PRIDE 365 initiative here.

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