Monday was a rare off day for the New York Yankees and many of the players took the opportunity to support a good cause by attending the Willow Gala. The event, hosted by the Carlos Rodón Foundation, raised more than $1 million to support expanded access to fertility treatments such as IVF.
Carlos and his wife, Ashley Rodón, started the gala after their own experience with attempting to start a family. They now have three kids, including their oldest daughter, Willow, who the gala is named after.
“I think we were both raised with a background in our life of trying to help other people when you can,” explained Ashley when asked about the event. “We were obviously blessed to be in the position that we are with the resources [we have]. It was important that we started this.”
Carlos and Ashley presented the Seeds of Hope award to Samantha Busch, the wife of the late Kyle Busch, who tragically passed away in May. The Buschs run the Bundle of Joy Fund, which is a partner of the Carlos Rodón Foundation and does similar work.
Silo Rodón, Carlos Rodón, Bo Rodón, Ashley Rodón, Willow Rodón and guests attend the Carlos Rodón Foundation 2026 Willow Gala at the Refinery on August 24, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Carlos Rodón Foundation)
A large number of Yankees players showed up for the event, something that the Rodón family appreciated.
“We’re very grateful. They’ve taken their time to do some meet and greets, they’ve donated all sorts of stuff,” said Carlos. “They have a hand in this, they have a part in this and they help us raise money for this and help people making families.”
“It’s important for all of us to be here,” said Ben Rice. “Carlos is such a great teammate and what the foundation has done over the last bunch of years has been really special, so it’s a no-brainer to come out here and support him.”
“It’s a great cause and they’re easy people to support. I’m excited to be here,” said Cody Bellinger.
A view of atmosphere during the Carlos Rodón Foundation 2026 Willow Gala at the Refinery on August 24, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Carlos Rodón Foundation)
“What they’re doing hits close to home, just being a new dad and going through that myself. It’s a very important thing in the world,” said Yankees catcher Austin Wells. “What they’re doing and what they’re being able to support, we wouldn’t miss this.”
The Yankees players also emphasized the importance of showing up in the community and using their position for good.
“We’ve been blessed with a talent to be able to play and perform in front of a lot of people, which gives us the platform,” said rookie George Lombard Jr. “There are a lot of people in the world who weren’t as fortunate and could use the help from us. Whenever we get the chance to help out people in need, it’s very important.”
“Being able to help other people, be charitable, and give back to everything and everyone…to be able to help out people as much as you can, it’s important,” said Max Fried.
(L-R) Cody Bellinger, Spencer Jones, Ben Rice and Will Warren attend the Carlos Rodón Foundation 2026 Willow Gala at the Refinery on August 24, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Carlos Rodón Foundation)
There was plenty of entertainment for everyone throughout the event. Comedian Casey Balsham performed a set, and Gary Levox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, also performed.
The Carlos Rodón Foundation has given out 59 total grants, which have led to three babies being born, another 12 on the way, and 36 other families currently going through treatment.
The Yankees are back in action this week and are just 3.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. They’ll be trying to make up that difference as the postseason gets closer and closer.
Additional reporting by Dylan Christie