The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) hosted its annual Blue Diamond Gala on May 2, 2024, at the iconic Dodger Stadium as 2,000 attendees enjoyed entertainment, music, and purpose-driven fundraising. Making the evening even more magical, LADF Chairman and Dodgers owner Mark Walter announced a $50 million donation to help LADF continue its mission to improve education, healthcare, homelessness, and social justice. In addition, Dodger ownership will donate another $50 million if the Dodgers reach the World Series in 2024.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to receive such a phenomenal gift from our Chairman and Dodgers ownership, cementing our ability to create lasting impact for Los Angeles, said Nichol Whiteman”, CEO of LADF. “This stunning announcement in the presence of our amazing partners and supporters is a gift to the Los Angeles community and it made this year’s Blue Diamond Gala truly unforgettable.”
The “Party for LA” reflected LADF’s gratitude to Los Angeles and its unwavering dedication to connecting young people and their families to the resources and opportunities they deserve. With LADF’s strategic plan Lasting Impact for Los Angeles as a guide, the event raised a record-breaking $54 million–bringing the total raised to $154 million since the Foundation was reimagined in 2013.
Starting with a pre-show dinner party featuring an all-vinyl DJ set by 8x GRAMMY Award-winner Anderson .Paak performing as DJ Pee .Wee, the evening also included a live performance by 4x GRAMMY Award-winner Ed Sheeran preceded by a video highlighting stories of impact from LADF participants and partners. The evening concluded with a post-show party featuring DJ Severe, food, and beverages provided by Jon & Vinny’s, Melissa’s Produce, Milk Bar, Panda Express, Papa Cantella’s Dodger Dogs, Randy’s Donuts, Shake Shack, Tacos 1986 with VIP Gift Bags that included LADF swag and a Blue Diamond Gala-exclusive Ed Sheeran t-shirt.
Additional notable moments included performances from LADF partners, including Los Angeles Unified School District’s Banning High School Marching Band, KIPP Sol Mariachi Folklorico, and Little Tokyo Center Traditional Drum Group and Compton Kidz Club.
Proceeds from the Blue Diamond Gala continue to support LADF’s proven programs and grants to local organizations. LADF has invested more than $60 million to level the playing field for the communities it serves. Support of the gala and LADF has resulted in more than 10 million youth impacted through programs, 10.6 million meals distributed, and the support of over 280 unique nonprofits and partners.
Attended by celebrities across all industries, the Blue Diamond Gala also featured the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers and more including:
Austin Barnes, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tyler Glasnow, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Kiké Hernández, Teoscar Hernández, Jason Heyward, Kyle Hurt, Joe Kelly, Gavin Lux, Dustin May, Bobby Miller, Max Muncy, Shohei Ohtani, James Outman, Andy Pages, James Paxton, Evan Phillips, Miguel Rojas, Emmet Sheehan, Will Smith, Gavin Stone, Chris Taylor, Alex Vesia, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ryan Yarbough, Gus Varland, Nabil Crismatt, Manager Dave Roberts, Dodger Alumni Mickey Hatcher, Micah Johnson, Kenny Landreaux, Matt Luke, Manny Mota, Shawn Green, Adrián González, Dennis Powell, Reggie Smith, Dodger Alumni and Broadcasters Orel Hershiser, James Loney, and Jerry Hairston Jr., Dodger Broadcasters Joe Davis, John Hartung, Jose Mota, Rick Monday, Dave Vassegh, Pepe Yñiguez, Dodgers Host Kirsten Watson, special guests including, Cameron Brink, Vlade Divac, DJ D-Nice, Nicole Williams English, Larry English, Lindsay Gottlieb, Jim Harbaugh, Rodney Peete, Byron Scott, JuJu Watkins, Andia Winslow, Jordyn and Jodie Woods, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District Alberto M. Carvalho and many more.
