TURN 2 FOUNDATION DINNER

Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation celebrates three decades of impact at 30th Anniversary Gala

13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Babyface delivered electricying performance

EMMY and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer and host Anthony Anderson hosted the event; Gregory J. Fleming honored as Turn 2’s 2026 MVP

NEW YORK – Sept. 10, 2026 – Derek Jeter and Sharlee Jeter gathered with hundreds of celebrities, athletes, family, friends and supporters for The Turn 2 Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Thursday, Sept. 10. The special event celebrated Turn 2’s work to create positive change and raised critical funds to support the Foundation’s signature programs that foster leadership development, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles among young people.

The Gala kicked off with a star-studded red carpet, with EMMY and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer and host Anthony Anderson serving as the event’s emcee. Among the evening’s highlights was The Players’ Tribune’s “Four Captains, One City: Winning, Leadership & Legacy,” a special conversation moderated by Anderson and featuring Derek Jeter; Basketball Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star Teresa Weatherspoon; two-time NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist and former New York Knicks player Allan Houston; and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, Emmy-winning television personality and Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan. The evening concluded with a showstopping performance by 13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Babyface that brought guests to their feet. The event also featured live and silent auctions offering unique memorabilia and experiences.

“Celebrating 30 years of Turn 2 is an incredible milestone for my family and me. What makes this anniversary especially meaningful is seeing the impact Turn 2 has had on generations of young people and knowing that the work continues to create opportunities and open doors for their futures,” Derek Jeter said. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey—our partners, supporters, staff and, most importantly, the young people and families who have given Turn 2 its purpose. Over the last three decades, Turn 2 has grown in many ways, but the values that inspired its founding have remained at the heart of what we do. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and excited for what’s ahead.”

Turn 2 honored Gregory J. Fleming, Chief Executive Officer of Rockefeller Capital Management, with the 2026 MVP Award for his dedication to the Foundation’s mission of helping young people realize their full potential. Since joining Turn 2’s Resource Council in 2014, Greg has played an important role in creating meaningful professional development opportunities for youth through workshops and mentorship, while also providing longstanding support for Turn 2’s events and mission.

The 2026 graduates of the Jeter’s Leaders program were also celebrated during the Gala. Each of the senior New York and Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders graduated from high school in the spring and are currently pursuing their passions at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities, including Syracuse University, Purdue University and Emory University, among others. The Jeter’s Leaders initiative is a four-year leadership program for high school students in New York City and West Michigan who serve as ambassadors for Derek Jeter in their communities.

Elmer Chavez, a 2014 New York Jeter’s Leaders alumnus and Vice President, Wealth Advisor within J.P. Morgan Private Bank, took the stage to reflect on his journey with Turn 2 and how the opportunities he received through Jeter’s Leaders helped shape his future. From internships and service projects to a Turn 2 scholarship that helped him attend Siena College, Chavez shared how those experiences ultimately helped pave the way for his career in finance.

“For 30 years, Turn 2 has been committed to giving young people the opportunities, resources and support they need to discover their potential, lead with purpose and create positive change,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of The Turn 2 Foundation. “Our mission has remained constant, even as the needs of young people and the world around them have evolved. We’ve continued to adapt our programs and expand the ways we support young people, while staying grounded in the values that have guided Turn 2 from the beginning. As we look to the future, we’re excited to build on that foundation, reach more young people and create new opportunities for them to learn, lead and succeed.”

On Sept. 8, Turn 2 also hosted an Exclusive Golf Experience at Liberty National. The event featured an 18-hole shotgun, cocktail reception and special fireside chat with Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez and Joe Torre, moderated by Tom Verducci, FOX MLB analyst and reporter. During the conversation, “A Legacy Beyond the Game,” the group reflected on 30 years of leadership and impact while celebrating their shared commitment to Turn 2 and the next generation of leaders.

Celebrity guests in attendance at the Gala included AJ Andrews, Dellin Betances, Nate Burleson, Lisa Evers, John Franco, Walt Frazier, Allan Houston, Matt James, Hannah Jeter, Angie Martinez, Tino Martinez, Dascha Polanco, Jorge Posada, Harold Reynolds, CC Sabathia, Michael Strahan, Joe Torre, Teresa Weatherspoon, Tristan Wilds, Melba Wilson, Dave Winfield, Jadakiss, DJ Premier and Tom Verducci.