Barry Bonds, Wayne Gretzky, Spike Lee Among Honorees at The Harold And Carole Pump Foundation’s 25th Anniversary
Harold and Carole Pump Foundation marked its 25th Anniversary with an unforgettable evening that combined heartfelt tributes, celebrity power, and a shared mission to fight cancer. The annual Celebrity Dinner, which has become one of Los Angeles’ premier philanthropic galas, brought together athletes, entertainers, and community leaders, raising more than $2.8 million to support cancer care and groundbreaking research.
This year’s honorees represented a remarkable cross-section of sports and culture. NFL star Aaron Donald, baseball legend Barry Bonds, filmmaker Spike Lee, and hockey great Wayne Gretzky each received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Reggie McKnight and restaurateur R.J. Melman were recognized with Humanitarian Awards for their dedication to community service.
But beyond the accolades, the night was filled with emotional reminders of why the Pump brothers founded the organization a quarter century ago. Barry Bonds brought the audience to its feet when he dedicated his award to his mother, crediting her with shaping his career. “We all got trophies, we all got awards, but my mom never wanted to be in the front seat,” he said, holding back emotion. “So this trophy, mom, has your name on it.”
Wayne Gretzky also struck a reflective note, reminding guests that greatness in sports is not measured only by championships. “We don’t play to win awards for helping people who are less fortunate,” he said. “The greatest thing about sports is the people.”
Throughout the evening, tributes flowed not just for the honorees but for the late Harold and Carole Pump, whose legacy inspired their sons Dana and David Pump to create the foundation in their memory. “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 David. “Tonight, my heart is full.” Dana echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the countless supporters who helped turn their vision into reality. The celebration was as dazzling as it was meaningful. Robin Thicke delivered a soulful performance that kept the crowd on its feet, while the foundation’s signature live and silent auctions featured once-in-a-lifetime items — from coveted sports memorabilia to luxury vacations and VIP tickets to major events.
After 25 years, the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation has raised over $60 million for cancer programs, research, and treatment centers.
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