Aaron Nola Gives Expensive Gift to Philly Food Bank

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher and former All-Star Aaron Nola was named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year award by the Major League Baseball (MLB) Players Association.

As a result, Nola received a $25,000 grant, provided by the Players' Trust, to donate to a charity of his choice. He chose Philabundance, the largest food bank in the Greater Philadelphia region, as the grant beneficiary.

The award was announced at the Playmakers Classic in Phoenix on Wednesday, Feb. 18, where Nola was selected as one of six finalists by a panel of active MLB players. He joins former Phillies and Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, in addition to Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, as winners of the award.

Nola has partnered with Philabundance since 2019. His charity efforts will include a charity poker tournament at Citizens Bank Park on April 16 to benefit Philabundance.

"Aaron Nola has been helping Philabundance strike out hunger for five years," Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, said in a statement shared with the Patch of Philadelphia. "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."

“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," Nola said in a prepared statement. "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.”