It takes a powerful determination to pour your heart out for others. However, this feeling comes naturally for Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry. Giving back to the community that has nurtured them. Every child deserves a chance to thrive. Sixteen years ago, when the Currys moved to the Bay, they noticed the struggles of the families stricken with poverty; this became the base for Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation that came to life in 2019.
Since then, Ayesha and Steph’s philanthropic hearts have beat for the children in Oakland who deserve a better life. And that hope and movement, which began as a passion project six years ago, has received a special award in the wake of community service and beyond. The Currys and the team of Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation attended the TIME100 Philanthropy Impact Dinner on Thursday.
TIME recognized Ayesha Curry as one of the 100 leaders dedicated to giving. Standing on the podium, the 36-year-old mother of four shared her aim with the foundation. Moreover, it is an oath and ode to the 11.4 million American families dealing with poverty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they noticed not just that the world shut down, but these families were facing overwhelming uncertainty. “We pivoted all of our energy towards food insecurity, mobilizing quickly to get meals, groceries, and resources into the hands of those who needed it the most,” Ayesha Curry said. That was the moment that fundamentally changed everything.
What began as a response to a crisis grew into a powerful, community-first mission. Eat. Learn. Play. delivered meals, launched mobile support for families, and created simple yet impactful solutions for children. Meanwhile, the foundation expanded into literacy programs, high-dosage tutoring, and youth sports. Partnering with schools, it now supports academics, emotional well-being, and family engagement, transforming education and opportunity for Oakland’s youth through a deeply rooted commitment to long-term impact.
Since 2019, the foundation has invested nearly $100 million in Oakland’s children. “And we’re just getting started,” Mrs. Curry told the world. “That includes literacy programs, tutoring, meals, safe places to play, and a commitment to make sure that every child has a real shot at a bright future.” She further added, “The entrepreneurial spirit that continues to guide us is simple yet powerful. Listen deeply and act boldly.”
As Ayesha Curry stood tall with purpose, all eyes soon turned to Stephen. For him, this moment was more than recognition. It was personal. A reflection of a journey filled with love, struggle, and resilience. Then came the emotion. His message, raw and heartfelt, echoed the weight of their shared mission. Thus, as Steph took to his social media, the world rejoiced in his big-little wins.
Stephen Curry pens down an emotional message for Ayesha Curry’s TIME achievement
Stephen Curry took to his Instagram to share a carousel of images from the all-important dinner he and Ayesha attended on Thursday at the One World Trade Center. The foundation’s executive, Christopher Helfrich, was present for the event, as he posed with the Currys on the red carpet. Meanwhile, the second image was of Mrs. Curry giving her heartfelt speech on the stage. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham were also honored at the event, so they too posed with the Currys. And lastly, a photo of Ayesha and Steph looking forever adorable. In the caption, the Warriors superstar wrote his emotional message for Ayesha, the foundation, and their associated:
“Beyond grateful to our entire @eatlearnplay team, all of our donor, partners, and believers for supporting us since 2019. From early pandemic response to our focus on lifting up the next generation of Oakland students, this is a testament to our community and the work that is needed to ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive. Thank you to @time for including us in the inaugural #time100 Philanthropy Impact event. We need to hear the work that so many amazing people are doing here at home and around the world!”
It began with a promise and bloomed into purpose. Through every setback, the Currys kept showing up for the children who needed them most. From one heartfelt mission to a nationwide ripple of change, they turned hope into action. And now, with the world watching, their legacy is only just beginning.
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