Vanessa Bryant tearfully evoked her late husband’s memory while accepting an award from the Baby2Baby 10 Year Gala presented by Paul Mitchell Saturday. In a touching moment during her acceptance speech, Vanessa got emotional while remembering Kobe, who she attended the last in-person Baby2Baby Gala in 2019, two months before his death.
“I have to start by saying how much I miss my perfect date today. My husband Kobe loved attending.” Bryant said through tears. “Sorry. He loved attending Baby2Baby galas. With his big smile, he would look at me and say, ‘Babe, this is fricking awesome. Tonight, I’m your plus one… It’s the one event that I’m not obligated to do anything. I get to be your date, help families and enjoy great food.’”
Vanessa has been working with Baby2Baby to help women and children in poverty. During her speech, she recalled a story about the struggles that parents have to go through. These stories, and seeing the large number of homeless people in Los Angeles after “all the glitz and glamour of a basketball game,” motivated Vanessa and Kobe to start the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation and the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Vanessa has joined a stellar group of women who have helped the Baby2Baby organization continue its work in helping children in poverty. The organization gives women and children clothing, diapers, and all of the basic necessities every child needs to survive and thrive. You can learn more about the organization and its work here.