Our man Shaq does it again – this time for his momma. This weekend was O’Neil’s big, star-studded fundraiser in Las Vegas. Mom was on hand to take in the show, up close and personal.
This past Saturday night, as of this writing, the NBA legend hosted his third annual event. It’s just called, interestingly enough, The Event. The big party brings out big name stars and donors to raise money for The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation.
O’Neal started his namesake organization back in 2019. Through that office, he’s partnered with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and Communities in Schools in Las Vegas and Atlanta. The Foundation website talks about those organizations – and others that help kids – as being close to Shaq’s big heart.
One of the Foundation’s stated goals is to create opportunities for underserved youths. You can check past pasts here on ShaqFu Radio for how the big man and his Foundation have been big givers to community groups like these.
As for the big show at the MGM Grand, Shaq was ready, willing and able to give again, and he certainly did. Part of The Event included a live auction for all kinds of goodies. When it came to something special for that night – a table right on stage for a concert from the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Dan+Shay, John Legend and Anderson Paak, Shaq pulled out the big bucks.
From stage, Shaq was thankful: “I’m so grateful to our entertainers who are once again donating their time. I know they will create a night of incredible music and comedy in a true testament to the power of unity to make a difference in kids’ lives. I’m also excited to see familiar faces and new supporters alike, joining hands in the spirit of compassion to give back to the community. Let’s make this another night to remember!”
A pretty sweet deal, to be sure. Shaq outbid everyone, to the tune of $20,000 fo the on-stage seats. As the table was being set up, Shaq called out, “Come up here momma,” Lucille happily obliged and later spotted doing some dancing to Paak, which put a huge smile on her son’s face.
That wasn’t the only thing the big man opened his wallet (or credit card) for during the night’s auction festivities. He also bid $50,000 – and won a lavish vacation to Bora Bora. We had to check an online map. Bora Bora is an island chain way, WAY out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Yup, we checked.
So for the night, O’Neal ended up laying out about $70,000 to his own Foundation. He obviously believes in the work being done to help kids!
As for the show itself… Yup, it was a big deal. John Legend, Hudson and Dan + Shay were the musical headliners, along with the auctions and the mingling of celebrities and donors.
A few other items that went on the auction block that night: a day to hang out with Shaq himself at his house… a golf round with Mark Wahlberg… and a hang with David Beckham at an Inter Miami soccer game. BTW, the Beckham deal ended up going for a cool 40 grand.
The numbers: back in 2021, as a result of auction buys and ticket sales, The Event raised $2.9 million for underserved children. In 2022, that number was better, with a total of $3.15 million raised. They’re still adding things up after this year’s Event. We’ll let you know when the final tally comes out.