NEW YORK CITY (May 8th, 2024) – Up2Us Sports, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to mentoring youth through coaching and sports, welcomed leaders from the sports, finance, and entertainment world to its 2024 Sneaker Ball on Wednesday, May 8th. The inspiring event was held at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. The funds raised will go towards training coaches in sports-based youth development and placing them in under-resourced communities. 

ESPN's Sarah Spain, a renowned sports journalist, and the evening's emcee, led an impressive program honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Zachary Weiner, co-founder of Overtime, received the Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work, while Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations at D.C. United, was recognized with the She Changes The Game® Award for her exemplary leadership. Coach Rory Robinson from partner program Youth Mentoring Partnership in Coatesville, PA, was celebrated as the 2024 Up2Us Sports National Coach of the Year, highlighting his dedication and impact.

The event commenced with a lively cocktail hour featuring a live band, a 360 Photo Booth, a custom Laces Bar, and more. Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Sandra Bernhard, Famke Janssen, and Adam Glassman, adding to the evening's glamour and excitement.

"The Up2Us Sports Sneaker Ball celebrates and brings attention to the power of coaches to positively impact the lives of youth across the nation,” said Paul Caccamo, Founder & CEO of Up2Us Sports. Up2Us Sports is the only national service program for coaching in America, and we work with communities at the grassroots level. “This event is an opportunity to bring many different people from many different communities and sectors together to rally for our mission, and we’re so grateful to those who showed up to support our work. They’re ultimately showing up for kids all over the country.”

The silent auction featured sports and entertainment memorabilia from superstars, including Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffett, Serena Williams, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Lionel Messi, Mike Tyson, and Coco Gauff. 

The Up2Us Sports Sneaker Ball is the most significant fundraiser of the year, celebrating the remarkable Up2Us Sports coaches and honorees who are advancing mentorship and altering the trajectory of at-risk youth’s lives through sports.

Major corporations, including NBA Cares, Skechers, PepsiCo, FOX Corp, Verizon, SCORE Sports, DICKs Sporting Goods, Covington, Charlesbank, Leeds Equity, and Cranemere sponsored the event.

View more photos from the 2024 Up2Us Sports Gala here.