All In Challenge: Celebrity Raffles Feed the Hungry

BELLEVUE, Washington — On April 14, 2020, Michael Rubin, the founder of Fanatics, kicked off the All In Challenge to raise tens of millions of dollars for those facing food insecurity. Rubin challenged the world’s most prominent sports teams, entertainers, athletes and artists to create memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their fans. Fans receive a certain number of entries into the celebrity raffle of their choice based on how much money they donate.

Rubin declared that the challenge wouldn’t end until it had raised tens of millions of dollars to feed those in need. With more than $59 million donated so far, it is safe to say that he has successfully reached his goal. Coco Gauff, Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban are just three of the celebrities who have accepted this challenge and have shown their commitment to fighting world hunger.

Gauff

Gauff first became famous at the young age of 15 when she reached the 4th round of Wimbledon, beating tennis legend Venus Williams in the process. Since then, she has won seven professional tournaments, including the 2023 U.S. Open and currently ranks as the #2 singles player in the world. Gauff has gained many supporters for her humble nature outside of her success in tennis.

In a press conference, Gauff addressed the pressure she feels on the court and said that whatever stress she feels doesn’t compare to the real stress some people face in feeding their families. That’s why it was not surprising that she quickly accepted the All In Challenge, offering one fan an hour-long tennis lesson with her, lunch afterward and a signed racket as a souvenir.

Corcoran

Corcoran is an American businesswoman, entrepreneur and motivational speaker widely known for her role as a shark/investor on Shark Tank. Despite her current estimated net worth of $100 million, she worked hard to achieve her success. By the age of 23, Corcoran had worked 20 different jobs. While working as a waitress in a diner, her boyfriend gave her a $1000 loan, which she turned into a billion-dollar real estate company called the Corcoran Group.

When she accepted the All In Challenge, Corcoran not only supported the fight to end world hunger but also aimed to support one fan’s entrepreneurial dreams. Her raffle prize included a front-row seat at Shark Tank filming for a day, lunch on set and an hour-long business consultation.

Cuban

Cuban has been a businessman and entrepreneur ever since he was 12 years old. As a middle schooler, he sold sets of garbage bags and in high school, he took every opportunity to make some extra money by selling coins and stamps. His business instincts paid off later when he formed a consulting business, MicroSolutions and sold the firm for $6 million.

In addition to his success in the business world, Cuban has been a prominent figure in the NBA ever since he bought the Dallas Mavericks NBA team in 2000. Soon after the All-In Challenge began, Cuban announced his commitment to giving one lucky fan the opportunity to play with the Mavericks.

The prize winner flew into Dallas on a game day, signed an official NBA contract, warmed up with the team and shot a free throw during the game. In his acceptance video, Cuban specifically told fans to “do this for the right reason,” reminding them that this challenge was more than just a prize.

Final Remark

Donations raised from the All In Challenge directly benefit the World Central Kitchen (WCK). This organization’s mission is to serve comforting meals to communities impacted by any crisis. It purchases food from local vendors to support the regional economy. It runs culinary training programs to teach chefs basic sanitary techniques.

The WCK has provided more than 400 million meals to struggling communities in 30 different countries. Donations made during the All In Challenge have been invaluable in helping this organization respond to emergencies faster and give people comfort and hope through nourishing food.

– Sophia Manole