Hearing about Kobe Bryant, his beautiful daughter Gianna, and the rest of the helicopter passengers’ tragic and unexpected deaths on January 26 caused millions of hearts to break. Although many of us, including myself, were completely devastated, there is no greater pain than what each passengers’ closest friends and family members must be feeling.
During this hardship, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, broke her silence in an Instagram post expressing how grateful she was for all of the overwhelming concern, support, and prayers coming from the community. But the love doesn’t just end there. Kobe’s ex-teammate, Shaquille O’Neal, announced that 100% of all donations from his annual Super Bowl viewing party, Shaq’s Fun House, will be going directly to the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. The event will take place in Miami, Florida on January 31.
“Been going back and forth the past couple of days on if I should even have my event in Miami this weekend. Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect on what my brother and his family mean to me and my family. But in thinking what would Kobe want, what would he do? Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So let’s do just that,” Shaq shared on Instagram.
Although Shaq was hesitant at first to follow through with his Friday night party, his willingness to make a big donation to the Bryant family’s charity was bigger.
The Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF) was originally founded in 2006 under the name VIVO Foundation. The goal of the charity is to improve the lives of adolescents and families in need as well as inspire youth to get involved in sports. By providing special programs and giving out scholarships, the foundation can carry out its goals.
According to the mission statement on the KVBFF website, another goal of the charity involves “[raising] awareness for relevant issues in order to strengthen communities through educational and cultural enrichment opportunities.”
Starting in 2011, KVBFF partnered with various organizations including Step Up on Second, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and My Friend’s Place. Vanessa Bryant frequently meets up with the parents at My Friend’s Place and even throws a holiday party each year for them and their children.
If you’re interested in donating to the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, the charity is now directing people to make a donation to the Mamba Foundation at this time.
Learn more about Shaq’s own donation by watching the video below.
