Yankees and spouses gather for Carlos Rodón Foundation gala, raising over $1 million

At Skylight at the Refinery in New York City, the Third Annual Willow Gala brought together Yankees athletes and their spouses to celebrate the Carlos Rodón Foundation. Attendees included Gerrit Cole and Amy Cole, Cody Bellinger and Chase Carter Bellinger, Aaron Judge and Samantha Judge, as well as numerous other players and partners, all dressed in formal attire. The foundation announced that it has now raised over $1 million to help couples dealing with infertility and pregnancy loss, offering financial support through its Willow Grant program.

During the evening, the Seeds of Hope Award was presented to Samantha Busch, who accepted on behalf of her late husband, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, recognizing their joint effort with The Bundle of Joy Fund to expand fertility-care access. Kyle Busch died at 41 after complications from pneumonia and sepsis, as noted by his family. Carlos Rodón, a three-time MLB All-Star, and his wife Ashley co-founded the organization after their own struggles, naming the grant after their daughter Willow. The gala underscored the ongoing commitment of athletes and their families to address a sensitive health issue.