Tony La Russa Announces Benefit Event For New Organization

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Longtime Bay Area residents Elaine, Bianca, Devon and Tony La Russa are launching a new nonprofit organization, La Russa Rescue Champions, dedicated to companion animal welfare.

The family's commitment to the cause began in 1986 when they arrived in the Bay Area and continues today on a personal level and through the new organization. The new endeavor makes its public introduction as part of its Champions to the Rescue benefit event set for Jan. 25 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

The event, which starts at 7 p.m., features musical acts Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, and Marc Russo & Karl Perazzo’s All-Star band; a comedy act from Sarah Tiana; and an Oakland A's Hall Panel and Tribute to Rickey Henderson: Jose Canseco, Dennis Eckersley, Dave Stewart and Tony La Russa.

La Russa Rescue Champions will support and elevate animal rescue organizations by raising and distributing funds to help them carry out their life-saving work. The organization will also connect individuals and families who want to help with the groups who need it. LaRussa Rescue Champions is buildling a website to serve as a platform where animal rescue champions can choose how they want to champion the cause—both locally and nationally.

"We’re excited to begin this new chapter," said Tony La Russa, the former manager of the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox. "Companion animals have a seemingly magical effect through their unconditional love to improve the quality of lives they touch. Our goal is to reactivate the community’s confidence and support of our efforts to strengthen the animal and human bond. Historically we have earned credibility through a family-like culture of mutual respect, trust, and caring for the mission and each other."

The event and new nonprofit organization have partnered with the PenFed Foundation, a national leader in programs to assist veterans, including rescued service dogs for vets. The La Russa family will work with other organizations to highlight successful rescue efforts and offer grants to regional and national organizations. PenFed is the fiscal sponsor for this event.

La Russa Rescue Champions and the Champions to the Rescue event received a meaningful endorsement from the companion animal welfare organization Maddie's Fund, which will be the title sponsor for the event.

"Maddie’s support is especially appreciated because our family’s rescue efforts have emulated their focus on the rescue 'basics' while always searching for innovative improvements," La Russa said.

In March 2023, La Russa and his family split from the Animal Rescue Foundation, citing "current leadership, policies and attitudes" that no longer aligned with the passional for animals with which he and his family originally founded ARF.

In February 2024, the former Animal Rescue Foundation became Joybound People & Pets.

Tickets for the Jan. 25 event for La Russa's new organization cost $75-$150 and can be purchased online at Lesherartscenter.org or by calling the Ticket Office at 925-943-7469.

"We encourage all our friends to join us to support this effort," La Russa said. "You, too, can be a champion for rescued pets."

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; for more information, call 925-487-5025.