In 2025, the Major League Baseball Players Trust named Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola their Philanthropist of the Year.
Nola does incredible work in the Philadelphia community. He works closely with Philabundance, a food bank aiming to end food insecurity in the city. He also works with team RWB, a organization that gives back to United States military veterans in their post-service lives.
Annually, Nola holds a charity event to raise funds for these causes. In 2023 and 2024, Nola held "Bowling for the Troops", before pivoting to a poker night in 2025. He will once again hold this poker event at Citizens Bank Park on April 16.
“Hunter and I know the power of teamwork—and that’s why this event means so much. Giving back to the community that has always supported us is an honor,” said Nola. “By standing with Philabundance in their mission to drive hunger from our neighborhoods and partnering with Team RWB to enrich the lives of our veterans, we’re reminded of what true strength and service look like. When we come together for a purpose bigger than ourselves, lifting up the people who make our communities stronger, everybody wins.”
By winning the MLBPT award, Nola was able to select a charity of his choosing to receive a $25,000 grant. The longest-tenured Phillie selected Philabundance to receive that grant.
“Aaron Nola has been helping Philabundance strike out hunger for five years,” said Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance. “We are deeply grateful for his generosity and partnership. Delivering food, hope, and stability to those of our neighbors who need it most is a collective effort, and we could not fulfill our mission without the crucial, consistent support of donors—and friends—like Aaron.”
Winning the award and being able to give back was something that has brought Nola validation.
“This award means a lot to me, because giving back has always been a core part of who I am and what I believe in,” said Nola. “Baseball has given me so many opportunities, mentors, and teammates who feel like family, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to use that platform to make a positive impact. This is truly an honor, and it motivates me to keep doing more, both on and off the field.”
“Aaron embodies the Players Trust’s goal of making a positive impact in the world and has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to philanthropic endeavors,” said Amy Hever, Executive Director of the Players Trust. “Our goal is to amplify the good the Players do in their community, and we hope this grant will help Philabundance reach even more people and families experiencing food insecurity.”
For more information regarding Nola's charity event at Citizens Bank Park, click here. For more information on Philabundance, click here.
