Aspire Gala: A Tribute to Life’s Coaches

2009 Aspire Honorees Lou Holtz and Jamie Moyer with Cal Ripken, Jr.

Every year, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation hosts a one-of-a-kind gala, which has become the Foundation’s most successful fundraiser.  A group of honorees is selected from the fields of entertainment, business, and sports, recognized for their leadership, dedication to their field, and commitment to philanthropy.

Some past honorees include College Football Hall of Fame coach and ESPN analyst, Lou Holtz; National Baseball Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Earl Weaver, and Tony Gwynn; World Series Champion Pitcher, Jamie Moyer; John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted; co-founder of MBNA Corporation, Charles M. Cawley; AOL founder, Steve Case; Priceline co-founder, Jord Poster; Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning; NBC’s host of Meet the Press, the late Tim Russert; Coach Morgan Wootten; Coach Bernie Walter; and Remember the Titans inspiration, Coach Herman Boone. 

In addition to the honorees, guests include many other celebrities and individuals outstanding in their respective fields.  The Aspire Gala not only honors positive role models, but also presents an opportunity to learn more about what the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is doing across the country. 

In 2009, we raised $1.3 million at Aspire, and we’re shooting even higher in 2010!  Please contact Sr. Director of Development, Carrie LeBow, at clebow@ripkenfoundation.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.