Special report by Tanasha Allwood
Team 310riginals partnered with Shades of Greatness Inc., founded by LeSean McCoy to present the Friends of Shady Gala, an unforgettable evening of purpose, culture, community, and celebration taking place at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 6, 2025. All proceeds from the gala will support Shades of Greatness Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and life-changing community programs. The auction is still active at https://therealest.com/LeSeanMcCoy
The event was hosted by nationally acclaimed broadcaster Joy Taylor, the Friends of Shady Gala which bring gathered athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters for a night that blended star-powered entertainment with powerful impact. Guests enjoyed a red-carpet arrival, elevated dinner experience, silent auction of rare sports collectibles, dancing, and special moments curated to highlight the mission of giving back to the next generation.
“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.”
IEM‘s Tanasha Allwood attended the event. Following is her report…
Under the glowing lights of Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, a new legacy took shape—one rooted in generosity, leadership, and the unwavering belief that greatness is not just measured on the field, but in the lives we impact beyond it. The very first Friends of Shady Gala, hosted by the nationally acclaimed broadcaster Joy Taylor, brought together athletes, media, creators, and community changemakers for an unforgettable night of storytelling, philanthropy, and celebration.
As a confirmed media guest, stepping into the stadium felt like stepping into a dream—alive with energy, elegance, and a collective sense of purpose. Meeting Joy Taylor for the first time was an absolute delight; her warmth and poise mirrored the heart of the evening.
But the true heartbeat of the gala belonged to its founder: LeSean “Shady” McCoy—Fox Sports Analyst, 2X Super Bowl Champion, 6X Pro Bowler, Philadelphia Eagles All-Time Leading Rusher, and NFL All-Decade Player. Surrounded by his family and high-profile friends, McCoy’s presence radiated intention. And I had the immense honor of interviewing him on the red carpet—an especially surreal moment as a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan who vividly remembers watching him play during that unforgettable 2019 season.
What struck me most wasn’t his Hall-of-Fame caliber résumé—it was his passion. When McCoy spoke about his foundation, Shades of Greatness, his eyes carried a sincerity that could move mountains. He talked about the importance of pouring into the youth, creating pathways for at-risk kids, and serving as a mentor who shows up long after the stadium lights dim.
“In football and in life,” he shared, “you show your greatness in how you give back.”
It was a message that echoed the theme of the night: On the field and off the field, you can always count on Shady to do great things.
A Keynote That Moved the Room
Another standout moment came when I interviewed the evening’s keynote speaker, Aniefre Essien, CEO and Founder of 310riginals. A visionary entrepreneur with global perspective, multilingual fluency, and a gift for storytelling, Essien embodies what it means to be a cultural architect. His work at 310riginals sits at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, identity, and the empowerment of the communities that raised him.
Born and bred in Los Angeles, Essien shared that his philanthropic mindset was shaped early on by watching his mother volunteer in District 15 and teach Sunday school—always giving her time, always lifting others. Through her, he learned that service isn’t an act; it’s a way of life.
One line from him resonated deeply:
“This world isn’t fair. But if you can give back—even to one person—you’ve changed something that matters.”
Standing there on the red carpet, hearing him reflect on purpose, legacy, and the responsibility we have to one another, I understood exactly why he and McCoy make such powerful partners. Together, they’ve created more than a gala—they’ve ignited a movement rooted in community, opportunity, and the belief that greatness is contagious.
A Beautiful Beginning
This inaugural Friends of Shady Gala was more than an event—it was a call to action. It was a reminder that philanthropy thrives when leaders step into their purpose, when stories are shared with honesty, and when communities come together to lift the next generation.
From the elegance of the stadium to the meaningful conversations woven throughout the night, everything about this gathering pointed toward a future shaped by compassion, mentorship, and change-makers unafraid to start with one life at a time.
And being there—witnessing it all—was an honor I won’t soon forget.
For those who could not attend, you are welcome to support: https://www.310riginals.com/products/shades-of-greatness-inc-donation or https://therealest.com/LeSeanMcCoy
Featured image: Joy Taylor and LeSean Mcoy, Courtesy of 310riginals.
