Inglewood, CA – December 2025 – Team 310riginals partnered with Shades of Greatness Inc., the nonprofit founded by NFL star LeSean McCoy, to present the Friends of Shady Gala, an unforgettable evening rooted in purpose, culture, and community. The event took place on December 6, 2025, inside the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, transforming the venue into a celebration of empowerment and generosity. All proceeds supported Shades of Greatness Inc., which had long been dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and community-building programs. The final amount raised was scheduled to be announced at the end of the week, while attendees and supporters continued to participate in the ongoing auction hosted online.
The gala was hosted by nationally acclaimed broadcaster Joy Taylor, whose presence added both prestige and warmth to the evening. The Friends of Shady Gala gathered an impressive list of athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, each coming together with a shared purpose: to support future generations. Guests arrived to a vibrant red carpet experience before entering an evening marked by an elevated dinner, a silent auction featuring rare and coveted sports memorabilia, and special programming that highlighted the mission behind the event. Between the entertainment, the heartfelt speeches, and moments of reflection, the night invited attendees to recognize the power of collective impact.
At the heart of it all was the reminder that the gala was about more than celebration—it was about legacy. “At its heart, this gala is about legacy,” said Aniefre Essien, founder and CEO of 310riginals. “To stand inside SoFi Stadium and honor young people who deserve every chance to win—that’s bigger than fashion, bigger than sports, bigger than any one of us. Greatness is a responsibility, and this event is our commitment to lifting up the communities that shaped us.” His words echoed throughout the venue, grounding the festivities in a sense of shared responsibility and pride.
The evening followed a carefully curated schedule that guided guests seamlessly from one experience to the next. Red carpet arrivals began at 5:00 PM, offering attendees the chance to walk the star-studded entrance and connect with media, photographers, and fellow supporters. General arrival at 6:00 PM flowed into a dinner at 6:30 PM, during which guests enjoyed a refined culinary experience that set the tone for the programming to follow. At 7:00 PM, the main program and silent auction officially opened, giving attendees opportunities to bid on unique items while learning more about the work Shades of Greatness Inc. had been doing in communities across the country.
While tables for the gala had been available through 310riginals’ official website, the organization also ensured that those unable to attend could still support the cause. Fans, donors, and community members were invited to contribute through online donations or participate in the ongoing auction. This commitment to accessibility allowed the event’s impact to extend far beyond the walls of SoFi Stadium.
The partnership between Team 310riginals and Shades of Greatness Inc. felt natural, given their shared dedication to authenticity, community, and purpose. 310riginals, a Los Angeles-born lifestyle brand, had built its reputation on honoring the spirit, grit, and cultural energy of the 310 area. Known for its bold collaborations with athletes, entertainers, and creators—including the viral “We On 10” collection with football legend DeSean Jackson and renowned designer Jeff Hamilton—the brand had continuously pushed boundaries in the world of community-driven storytelling. Each collection and collaboration was deeply tied to representation and to the belief that greatness begins within the neighborhood.
Behind 310riginals stood its founder and CEO, Aniefre Essien, a visionary entrepreneur, storyteller, and cultural architect. Raised in Los Angeles, Essien created 310riginals as more than a brand—it became a movement. He sought to honor the hustle, identity, and resilience of his city and to empower those who would lead the next generation. With a background that spanned sports culture, creative strategy, and brand development, Essien used his platform to fuse purpose with style. His mission had always been clear: to build something bigger than clothing, something capable of uplifting, uniting, and inspiring communities.
Shades of Greatness Inc., founded by LeSean McCoy, shared that vision of empowerment. As a nonprofit organization, it had remained focused on supporting at-risk youth by providing academic scholarships, mentorship opportunities, athletic development programs, and access to transformative resources. Built on the belief that every child possesses inherent greatness, the organization worked tirelessly to open doors for young people who faced systemic challenges. The Friends of Shady Gala served not only as a fundraiser but also as a celebration of the countless lives the organization aimed to impact.
The atmosphere inside SoFi Stadium reflected unity, hope, and celebration. Between the music, the heartfelt speeches, and the joy of gathering for a meaningful purpose, the gala honored the work being done by both 310riginals and Shades of Greatness Inc. and spotlighted the youth whose futures would be shaped by their efforts.
As the night came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose—and with the understanding that their participation had helped fuel real opportunities for young people. The Friends of Shady Gala stood as a testament to what could be achieved when communities, creators, and leaders came together with a shared vision for something greater.
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