Shaquille O’Neal donated a tidy sum at his third annual charity gala, The Event, held on Saturday (October 7) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The basketball legend shelled out $20,000 during the live auction to ensure his mother Lucille O’Neal had the best table on stage. This venue gave her an intimate concert experience with artists such as John LegendJennifer Hudson, Dan + Shay and Anderson .Paak.
“Best you’ve ever had. (John Legend) thank you brother,” Shaq wrote on Instagram.
For PeopleShaq also offered $50,000 to win a vacation to Bora Bora, bringing his total contribution for the evening to $70,000. The fundraiser has seen significant success in recent years, raising $2.9 million in 2021 and topping $3.15 million in 2022. Figures for 2023 have not yet been published.
In 2019, the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation was founded, focused on enriching “underserved youth.” According to its mission statement, the organization strives to “create opportunities for underserved youth to help them realize their full potential.”
This past weekend, the fundraiser featured actor and comedian Joel McHale as emcee. He’s joined by comedy veteran Ray Romano. Meanwhile, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Adam Blackstone returned as musical director.
“We raised the bar last year and The Third Event promises to do the same,” Shaq said in an interview. press statement the night before. “I am so grateful to our artists who are donating their time again.”
He continued: “I know they will deliver an evening of incredible music and comedy that will be a true testament to the power of unity to change children’s lives for the better. I am also happy to see familiar faces and new supporters joining hands in a spirit of compassion to give back to the community. Let’s make this another unforgettable night! “