Right To Play’s 2015 Big Red Ball was held on Monday, November 9th at Cipriani 42nd Street. Hosted by NBC’s Willie Geist, the event welcomed over 400 guests including 30 Olympic and professional Athlete Ambassadors and raised over $1.1 Million for Right To Play’s global programs.
The event featured two guest speakers, 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Allyson Felix and Right To Play African Policy Director, Dr. Dennis Bright. Each shared personal stories of how Right To Play has impacted children around the world, emphasizing this year’s theme, “Play, It’s Serious Business.”
Right To Play Athlete Ambassadors who participated:
- Bonnie Blair 5-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Speed Skating
- David Boudia Olympic Gold Medalist, Diving
- Derick Brassard New York Rangers
- Joey Cheek Olympic Gold Medalist, Speed Skating
- Dave Cruikshank 4-time U.S. Olympian, Speed Skating
- Sasha DiGiulianWorld Champion, Rock Climbing
- Allyson Felix 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Track & Field
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Brooklyn Nets
- Gwen Jorgensen World Champion, 2016 Olympian, Triathlon
- Johann Koss 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Speed Skating
- Chris Kreider New York Rangers
- Erika Lawler Olympic Silver Medalist, Ice Hockey
- Patrick Lemieux Professional Cyclist
- John Locascio Rochester Rattlers
- Ryan McDonagh New York Rangers
- Tatyana McFadden 3-Time Paralympic Gold Medalist, 3-Time Grand Slam Marathon Champion, Track & Field, Winner 2015 Marathon Wheelchair Division
- Tim Morehouse Olympic Silver Medalist, Fencing
- Cameron Myler 4-Time Olympian, Luge
- Heather O’Reilly 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion,3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Soccer
- Rob Pannell New York Lizards
- Chris Piccirilli New York Lizards
- Summer Sanders 2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Swimming
- Molly Schaus 2-Time Olympic Silver Medalist, Ice Hockey
- Erik Schlopy 3-Time Olympian, Skiing
- Jenny Scrivens New York Riveters
- Alex & Maia Shibutani Olympians, Ice Dancing
- Sarah Groff True 2016 Olympian, Triathlon
- Mats Zuccarello New York Rangers
Top sponsors included: Deutsche Bank, Tudor Investment Corporation, J.P. Morgan, Watershed Asset Management and Viking Global Investors. The proceeds raised through table and ticket sales, live and silent auctions, and a pledge drive will support Right To Play’s global educational programs.