FIBA Foundation hosts a successful first ever Bid for Good Gala Dinner

MANILA (Philippines) - On September 9, the FIBA Foundation achieved a significant milestone as it organized its inaugural Fundraising Gala Dinner at the Peninsula Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

The exclusive dinner took place exactly a day before the 2023 FIBA World Cup final and saw over a hundred attendees including FIBA Basketball World Cup Ambassadors Carmelo Anthony, Luis Scola, and Pau Gasol as well as newly appointed 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Ambassador Sue Bird.

The main components of the gala were the silent and live auctions aiming to raise funds for the FIBA Foundation’s Basketball for Good projects. Guests could contribute to the cause by donating through bidding. The silent auction offered participants the opportunity to acquire signed memorabilia whereas the live auction proposed nine unique basketball-related items as well as experiences.

Thanks to these contributions, $320,308 was fervently raised during the Gala Dinner, sparking excitement throughout the event.

The impactful evening also hosted the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding between the FIBA Foundation and Special Olympics International, combining their efforts to promote basketball as a tool for social development.

The official welcome of the night was done by FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis alongside the President of the Filipino Basketball Federation, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Al Panlilio.

“This is a night of giving back to society, to the sport that has given so much to us, and helping the next generation to get inspired, and get better access to our sport, and combining what we do with a social element whether this is; battling poverty, child obesity or any other matter,” expressed  Zagklis.

"It is our way to give back to the youths, the future of our country. Basketball is a medium to create change, to create an impact in the society you live in," said Panlilio.

Alongside the massive sale of 45 items from both silent and live auctions, a crowdfunding was launched to raise funds for a court refurbishment in the Philippines, further adding to the social legacy of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The last item from the live auction was linked to Pau Gasol, which he was kind enough to sign for the winner, Carmelo Anthony. The benefits from this item will be split between the FIBA Foundation and the Gasol Foundation for a joint project in the Philippines.

Also speaking at the event, Gasol said: “Tonight is not just about basketball, it’s not about philanthropy, it's about coming together, and understanding how when we do joint efforts, our impact goes further and beyond.”

The great attendance, and increased awareness of the Foundation through the inaugural Gala Dinner, ensure that this was the first of many to come.

 

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About the FIBA Foundation

The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports and particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.

The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world.