The 23rd Annual Harold & Carole Pump Foundation dinner was star-studded. Celebrities and sports icons gathered to raise money for cancer awareness on another successful night for the foundation’s ongoing mission.
This year’s event honored former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, tennis star John McEnroe, Allyson Felix, the most-decorated American track and field athlete, and Dan Fleyshman.
“To be honored means that I guess I did something right,” said McEnroe. “The event will help raise some money, and I feel fortunate that hopefully, I made some type of impact.“
Hall of Famers and champions across every sport showed their support. Among the attendees who made their way out to the gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Aug. 18, 2023, included boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, well-known boxing announcer Michael Buffer, Pro Football of Fame running back Tony Dorsett, Naismith Memorial Basketball of Fame enshrinees Paul Pierce and Tim Hardaway Sr., and Cedric The Entertainer.
Former USC Trojans and NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and his actress wife, Holly Robinson Peete, and radio and television personality Marcellus Wiley were also in the house.
“Harold Pump is a great individual, and I am glad to support him,” said former heavyweight boxing champion Buster Douglas. “Meeting all the great people, it’s a good time being in California, and it’s always been a joyful occasion.”
The fight against cancer is a long battle that almost everyone has been affected by in one way or another. It is incredible to see that celebrities value this event and do not take their influence for granted. Last year’s gala raised $2.5 million.
According to the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation website, the amount of money raised for cancer awareness top over $9.5 million. Dana and David Pump are behind the efforts to raise money to benefit the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation.
“I am very passionate about making a difference in the communities around me. We are in a position to lend a helping hand. So any time I see someone like the Pump brothers who are inspired and want to change people’s lives, it is important for me to be able to show up and show my support in any way that I can,” said Prince Jackson.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.