LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The Raiders Foundation proudly hosted the second annual Silver & Black Gala on May 17 at Allegiant Stadium, raising an impressive $3 million to benefit youth mental health initiatives across Nevada. Building on the success of its inaugural year and seeing considerable growth, the Gala once again spotlighted the Foundation's commitment to uplifting communities through access, awareness, and action.
Presented by Intermountain Health, the evening gathered nearly 1,000 attendees, including local business leaders, public officials, and a contingent of Raiders, including alumni, current players, and front office staff for a powerful night of giving. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the Gala will directly fund mental health services, programs, and resources for youth in Southern Nevada.
The evening began with an impassioned speech from Raiders Owner Mark Davis, who lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch in honor of Elaine Wynn, followed by a surprise $1 million donation from the Raiders Foundation to four Nevada-based organizations delivering critical mental health support to young people: Boys Town Nevada, Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada, Solutions for Change, and Campus for Hope.
"Mental health is a critical pillar of well-being, especially for our youth," said Sandra Douglass Morgan, President of the Las Vegas Raiders. "The Raiders are proud to leverage the power of this organization and the generosity of our community to help remove the stigma and expand access to essential resources. The Silver & Black Gala represents more than a night of giving — it's a statement of our long-term commitment to the health and future of Nevada's youth."
"The overwhelming support we received at this year's Gala reflects how deeply our community cares about the mental health of our young people," said Kari Uyehara, Executive Director of the Raiders Foundation. "It's an honor to channel that generosity directly into programs making an immediate and lasting impact. We're especially proud to recognize and support organizations doing the hard work on the ground every day to lift up Nevada's youth."
Each of the four nonprofit recipients expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected investment:
"We're incredibly grateful to the Raiders Foundation for recognizing the importance of early mental health intervention," said Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada John Etzell. "This support enables us to expand vital programs that help young people develop resilience, heal from trauma, and build brighter futures."
"This gift is truly transformational for the young clients we serve," said Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada Executive Director Patrick Bozarth. "Mental health care should never be a luxury, and with the Raiders Foundation's investment, we can reach more youth with the timely, compassionate support they deserve."
"The Raiders Foundation's leadership in mental health advocacy is inspiring," said Danisha Mingo, Founder and Executive Director of Solutions for Change. "This funding allows us to continue our mission of empowering youth through education, therapeutic care, and community engagement — all essential tools in breaking the cycle of trauma and adversity."
"This generous support from the Raiders Foundation strengthens our ability to meet youth where they are — with empathy, safety, and resources," said Campus for Hope CEO Kim Jeffries. "Together, we're building a healthier Nevada where no young person feels invisible or alone."
The evening also featured the presentation of the "Commitment to Excellence Award" to Gary and Debbie Ackerman from Gaudin Ford and Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons in recognition of their outstanding philanthropic and community leadership.
Among the night's highlights:
- A Ford Shelby F-250, donated by Gaudin Motor Company, was auctioned for $250,000.
- A private dinner with Mark Davis, Tom Brady, and Charles Woodson sold for $300,000.
- Raiders: The Opus, Silver Torch Edition, a 936-page book infused with the first 60 years of the Silver and Black, sold for $1M during the live auction.
- Stevie Wonder thrilled the audience with an unforgettable 1.5-hour performance.
Notable guests included Owner Mark Davis, President Sandra Douglass Morgan, Head Coach Pete Carroll, and General Manager John Spytek, along with Raiders Alumni Charles Woodson, Jim Plunkett, Eric Allen, and Marcus Allen. More than 40 current Raiders players attended, including Maxx Crosby, Geno Smith, Daniel Carlson, and Jackson Powers-Johnson.
For more information about the Raiders Foundation and future events, visit raiders.com/foundation.
