Today, The Carlos Rodón Foundation announced its Third Annual Willow Gala, taking place on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 6:00-10:00 PM at Skylight at The Refinery in New York City. Hosted by CNBC’s Contessa Brewer, the annual event will bring together athletes, supporters, community leaders, and grant recipients to support families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss.
Founded by three-time MLB All-Star and New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife, Executive Director Ashley Rodón, following their own journey with infertility and pregnancy loss, the Carlos Rodón Foundation provides financial assistance and resources to help make fertility treatments more accessible. Through the Willow Grant, named in honor of their daughter, the Foundation helps couples afford life-changing treatments like IVF.
The Third Annual Willow Gala aims to raise $1 million to expand grant funding for hopeful parents, ensuring financial strain is never a barrier to starting a family. The event will honor Samantha and Kyle Busch with the Seeds of Hope Award, given to leaders whose work embodies hope, perseverance, and the mission of The Carlos Rodón Foundation. Through their inspiring leadership of The Bundle of Joy Fund, which also partners with the Foundation to provide Willow Grants, they have helped expand access to treatment for families navigating infertility. Samantha will accept the award on behalf of their shared legacy. The evening will also feature performances from stand-up comedian Casey Balsham and former lead singer of Rascal Flatts, Gary LeVox.
“Having experienced the heartbreak of pregnancy loss firsthand, we created the Willow Grant to give couples real support when they need it most,” said Carlos and Ashley Rodón, Co-Founders of The Carlos Rodón Foundation. “Navigating infertility is one of the hardest journeys a couple can face, and cost should never be the reason a family has to give up hope. The Third Annual Willow Gala is an opportunity for our community to come together to ensure that financial barriers never stand between hopeful parents and the family they dream of.”
During the event, guests will hear directly from Willow Grant recipients as they share their personal stories of hope. New York Yankees players are also expected to be in attendance to support the Foundation, including Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, Ben Rice, Cam Schlittler, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, Trent Grisham, Ryan McMahon, Ryan Yarbrough, Austin Wells, Ryan Weathers, Jose Caballero, Tim Hill, Brent Headrick, Will Warren, and more.
Since its inception in 2024, the Foundation has committed $587,500 to supporting families. This includes awarding 50 grants that have resulted in three Willow Grant babies born, 12 babies on the way, and 31 families currently in active treatment.
Sponsors and partners for the event include: Once Upon A Coconut, Alto Pharmacy, Balayage Blonde, BNY, BTIG, Columbia University Fertility Center, Daré Biosciences, Eddie Felling, Gulf of America Logistics, Hawthorne Design and Development, House of Fins, Morano Group, Morgan Stanley, Nicole Caroline, Progyny, Renee Little, The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund, The Tobacconist of Greenwich, and Veronica Beard.
To purchase individual tickets and sponsorship packages for the Third Annual Willow Gala, please visit: https://thewillowgala.regfox.com/the-willow-gala-2026.
— Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis —