David Pump & Dana Pump Celebrates 25 Years of the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation with L.A. Legends

On August 15, the Beverly Hilton became the epicenter of L.A. philanthropy as the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a glittering Celebrity Dinner. The milestone evening raised more than $2.8 million in support of the foundation’s mission to advance cancer treatment and fund critical programs.

The event honored some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. Aaron Donald, Barry Bonds, Spike Lee, and Wayne Gretzky received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Reggie McKnight and R.J. Melman was recognized with the Humanitarian Award. Guests were treated to a show-stopping performance by Grammy-nominated artist and producer Robin Thicke and a signature silent and live auction featuring rare sports memorabilia, luxurious travel experiences, and VIP tickets to world-class events.

David Pump, whose parents founded the foundation, reflected on the significance of the night:
“Glad to be here and excited for a spectacular night tonight; 25 years to celebrate my parent’s legacy. It means a lot to us to have a lot of the legends of L.A. here and the biggest iconic stars here tonight. It’s a special night.”

The gala offered a unique mix of celebration and purpose. Guests were able to connect with legendary athletes, influential entertainers, and community leaders, all while supporting programs that make a real difference for cancer patients and families. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, applause, and anticipation for the live auction surprises.

Reflecting on the foundation’s early years, Pump shared stories of its humble beginnings and the role basketball played in building support:
“I mean, the early years we were really big on John Wooden, Denny Crum, Coach K… unfortunately, a lot of the great ones aren’t around anymore. But still, we were able to utilize basketball and get a lot of people to support us.”

“I’ll never forget our first year when we had the great Coach John R. Wooden. He went up there and spoke at the Bel-Air Beach Club, and I never envisioned it would grow into something like this. But if you start and build something, it’ll all come.”

“We feel this is the big night in L.A., like an ESPY’s — the Academy Awards in sports. To have Magic, Shaq, Wayne Gretzky, Barry Bonds, Daryll Strawberry, who’s a Crenshaw great, they’re all here tonight and many, many, many more. My parents are looking down and they’re very… smiling. We’re just trying to do good work for the community.”

Pump also reflected on the values his parents instilled and the family legacy that inspired the foundation:
“Mom and Dad? Mom never worked. She took care of her boys. She installed a great foundation for me and Dana and talked about giving back.”

“Dane and I have the ability to, as some people say, if we get people’s numbers, it’s hard to say no to us. And we’re asking people to help for a great cause. L.A.’s coming out tonight, and they’ll all be here. We’ve got some great surprises, and we’re just thrilled about this evening.”

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the gala highlighted the foundation’s enduring commitment to the community. Over the past 25 years, the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation has funded critical programs, supported innovative cancer research, and inspired countless individuals to give back. This anniversary celebration was as much about honoring that legacy as it was about raising funds for future initiatives.

Many guests commented on the energy of the evening, noting how the foundation has become a cornerstone of L.A.’s philanthropic landscape. From intimate conversations with honorees to lively bidding on auction items, the night was a testament to the generosity and dedication of everyone involved.

The gala also showcased a bridge between generations. Young philanthropists mingled with seasoned legends, all drawn together by a shared sense of purpose. For David Pump, seeing this level of engagement was a meaningful affirmation of his parents’ vision.

Looking ahead, the Pump Foundation continues to expand its programs and partnerships, building on the legacy of Harold and Carole Pump. As the gala concluded, it was clear that the organization’s impact has grown alongside its reputation, and the next 25 years promise to bring even greater contributions to the community.

With its 25th anniversary now firmly in the books, David Pump and the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation remain a shining example of how dedication, vision, and generosity can leave a lasting mark on Los Angeles and beyond.