Shaq, Gronk holding fundraiser for social justice initiatives

Shaquille O'Neal and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski are teaming up for a virtual fundraiser that will raise money for NAACP Empowerment Programs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

The three-hour event, "Shaq's Fun House versus Gronk Beach virtual party," will be livestreamed June 27 and feature performances from Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki, Diplo, and O'Neal himself as DJ Diesel.

"We want to be sensitive to people. That's why we wanted (it) to be labeled as 'Party with a Purpose,'" O'Neal told Laine. "We just want to bring a little joy. There's a lot of stuff going on, and we are aware of that, and we hope to do our part. We're gonna continue to do our part."

The two athletes will square off in a series of competitions, including a game of HORSE and a chicken wing-eating contest, with the winner earning donations to their respective charity.

O'Neal will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of America while Gronk is playing for the NAACP, a civil rights organization that works toward eliminating race-based discrimination.

"We wanted to do it now with a purpose, and this is a purpose to raise money for great causes, and to raise money for everything that's going on out there," said Gronkowski. "So, music, sports, competitions - we just knew that it was a win-win.

"And on top of it, whenever Shaq and I have the chance to come together and bring other people together - 'cause that's what we love to do, is bring everyone together, unite everyone together - we just knew it was a no-brainer to do."

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