Full Breakdown
UCLA Quarterback Legends Unite for Charity Fundraiser
4/14/2026, 4:11:48 AM
Reunion for a Cause
This weekend, 24 former UCLA quarterbacks, including notable alumni such as Gary Beban, Tom Ramsey, and Cade McNown, are reuniting for a charity fundraiser benefiting the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. Organized by former quarterback Patrick Cowan, the event aims to raise funds for specialized healthcare needs, particularly for severely immunocompromised children.
The reunion includes a visit to the hospital on Friday, followed by a luncheon at Phil Trani's in Long Beach, where the idea for this event was conceived in 2018. The inaugural fundraiser was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately taking place in 2023. The previous event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospital's special-needs fund.
Key Figures and Their Contributions
Gary Beban, the only Heisman Trophy winner in UCLA history, expressed his fulfillment in participating in the event, stating, “The opportunity provided by the UCLA quarterback club event uniquely transfers the time, bruises and results spent playing a game to provide financial support promoting scientific advancements and health care for youngsters in need of life-enhancing solutions and discoveries.” Beban will be joined by Ramsey, who led the Bruins to victory in the 1983 Rose Bowl, and McNown, known for his undefeated record against USC as a starter.
Current UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will also participate, gaining valuable insights from these legendary players. Cowan highlighted the camaraderie among the quarterbacks, stating, “We have guys flying in from all over the country... it’s been fun to cheer for them.”
Event Details and Fundraising Efforts
The fundraising efforts will include sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, and a silent auction featuring autographed memorabilia. The evening program at the Luskin Center will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and a panel discussion, with tickets priced at $1,250 each and table sponsorships available for $10,000 and $25,000.
The funds raised will be directed towards essential services such as transportation for children and hiring specialized staff to meet patient demands. Beban noted the personal fulfillment he derives from the event, emphasizing the shared values and commitments developed during their time at UCLA.
What's Next
Following the hospital visit and luncheon, the quarterbacks will attend UCLA's football practice on Saturday before the evening event. This gathering not only serves as a fundraiser but also reinforces the legacy of UCLA's quarterback tradition, fostering connections between past and present players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The opportunity provided by the UCLA quarterback club event uniquely transfers the time, bruises and results spent playing a game to provide financial support promoting scientific advancements and health care for youngsters in need of life-enhancing solutions and discoveries. I have found it very personally fulfilling to experience the ease one has to exercise to rally UCLA quarterbacks to huddle and share their good fortunes with their teammates and supporters for such a worthwhile cause.” — Gary Beban, 1967 Heisman Trophy winner
- “We have guys flying in from all over the country, and I still get giddy being able to hang out with these guys because I remember watching them and they were my heroes and even the guys that have played after me, it's been fun to cheer for them.” — Patrick Cowan, Former UCLA quarterback and event organizer
