NBA champion and mental health advocate Kevin Love (@kevinlove) hosted an exclusive benefit dinner at Miami’s soon-to-open Maple & Ash (@mapleandash_miami), uniting Miami Heat players, sports executives, and culinary icons to raise over $500,000 for the Kevin Love Fund (@kevinlovefund). In a candid conversation, Love opens up about his personal journey, the mission behind his foundation, and the power of showing up for others.

Why did you start the Kevin Love Fund?

I founded the Kevin Love Fund because of my own journey with mental health challenges. After experiencing a panic attack during a game in 2017, I realized I needed to address what I was going through internally, not just physically as an athlete.

Growing up, I was taught to suppress emotions - "men don't cry" and "toughen up" were constant messages. When I finally opened up about my struggles with anxiety and depression in my Players’ Tribune article, the overwhelming response showed me how many people were suffering in silence.

The Kevin Love Fund was born from this realization. I wanted to create a platform that normalizes mental health conversations, especially for young people who need to know it’s okay not to be okay. We focus on providing resources and education in schools, reducing stigma, and helping people understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Basketball gave me a platform, but this work gives me purpose. When I see young people learning emotional management tools I never had access to or someone reaching out for help because they heard my story, I know this fund is making the difference I hoped for. Mental health affects everyone, and no one should face those challenges alone.

How much did you raise tonight for mental health programming?

Through the generosity of our sponsors and attendees this evening, we were able to raise nearly $550,000. We are so proud that our curriculum and programs are 100% free, and the donations from our dinner help keep it that way, which means there is no barrier for anyone in the world to participate in our program.

What does it mean to have so many teammates here supporting you and your fund?

It’s amazing. I’ve only been part of this organization for about two years now and it means a lot that my teammates, ownership, and front office showed up. So much of life is showing up for others. Great relationships and helping others are about showing up, and I’ve certainly learned that in being a teammate and within this team, we do that quite often.

Your group is among the first to experience Maple & Ash in Miami! What were some of your favorite dishes?

It's hard to choose, everything was incredible. Chef Danny Grant's menu was unbelievable. I'd have to say my favorite dishes, though, were the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, the Fire Roasted Seafood Tower and the Strip Loin. And, of course, the Sundae Tower was a great way to end the dinner.