Leonard Foundation to Honor CHLA's Dr. Jennifer Raymond at 15th Annual Charity Boxing Night

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 05, 2026 – The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation is set to deliver a powerful one-two punch against pediatric diabetes at its 15th annual "Big Fighters, Big Cause" Charity Boxing Night on May 20. The star-studded event, presented by B. Riley Securities, will honor Dr. Jennifer Raymond, a pioneering endocrinologist from Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), with the 2026 Golden Glove Award for her transformative impact on diabetes care for youth.

Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, the evening promises a unique blend of philanthropy and entertainment. Hosted by comedian Chris Spencer, the gala will feature professional boxing matches presented by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, a performance by R&B legend Johnny Gill, and high-stakes auctions. All proceeds will support the foundation's mission to fund life-changing research and care for children battling Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Honoring a Pioneer in Patient-Centered Care

The spotlight of the evening will be on Dr. Jennifer Raymond, MD, MCR, the Division Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at CHLA and a Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The Golden Glove Award recognizes her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children and families affected by diabetes.

"The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation's Golden Glove Award honors exceptional leadership and impact in the diabetes and health community," said boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. "In partnership with B. Riley Securities, we are proud to recognize Dr. Raymond for her transformative contributions to diabetes care and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families."

Dr. Raymond is renowned for developing innovative, patient-centered care models that are revolutionizing how young people manage their condition. Her work, supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Helmsley Charitable Trust, focuses on integrating telehealth, virtual peer groups, and shared medical appointments to boost engagement and self-management. These strategies have proven particularly effective for high-risk adolescents and young adults, a demographic that often struggles with the daily burdens of the disease. By championing virtual care, Dr. Raymond is also tackling critical issues of access and equity, working to ensure that innovative treatments and support systems reach underserved and marginalized communities.

Beyond the Ring: A Legacy of Giving

For 15 years, the "Big Fighters, Big Cause" event has been the cornerstone of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation's philanthropic efforts. Established in 2009 by the six-time world champion and his wife, Bernadette, the foundation is fueled by a personal commitment to combatting a disease that affects millions of children. The annual gala has become a prestigious and highly anticipated event, raising millions of dollars to advance its cause.

Over its history, the foundation, in partnership with B. Riley's corporate philanthropy efforts, has raised approximately $5 million. Recent galas have consistently generated impressive sums, with the 2023 event raising over $500,000. These funds are critical for supporting institutions like the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, a recognized leader in pediatric care.

The list of past Golden Glove honorees underscores the event's significance, featuring advocates like actor Anthony Anderson and television host Maria Menounos, who have used their platforms to raise awareness after their own diagnoses. By celebrating leaders in the field, the foundation amplifies its message of hope and progress.

A Winning Partnership for a Growing Crisis

The success of "Big Fighters, Big Cause" is a testament to a powerful, multi-sector collaboration. The event brings together the worlds of sports, finance, healthcare, and entertainment for a common purpose. B. Riley Securities has been a steadfast partner for over a decade, serving as the presenting sponsor and hosting an annual "Commissions for Charity Day" that directs a full day's trading commissions to the foundation.

This unique partnership is crucial in addressing the growing crisis of pediatric diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, strikes suddenly and requires lifelong dependence on insulin. Meanwhile, Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is on an alarming rise among children, largely driven by the obesity epidemic. Projections show that T2D cases in youth could quadruple in the next 40 years if current trends continue.

The funds raised are directed toward research into breakthrough therapies, like those that can delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes, and technological advancements such as Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin pumps. More importantly, the support helps fund the very models of care that Dr. Raymond is pioneering, ensuring that these life-changing technologies and support systems are accessible to all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. The collaboration between the foundation and its partners ensures that the fight against pediatric diabetes is fought on all fronts, from the lab to the community.