Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation (@WhyNotFdn) header
Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation (@WhyNotFdn) profile picture

Our mission with the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation is to inspire the lives of children and empower them to ask “WHY NOT?”

Joined March 2014
Last month, we brought our 6th Annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night to @fblasvegas with @WPT, bringing together players, partners and supporters for another memorable year at the tables.
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Over six years, Poker Night has raised more than $3 million in support of our work across education, workforce development, mental health and wellness, and community engagement. Thank you to everyone who continues to make this event possible. Learn more: whynotfoundation.org
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Two days. Two communities. One unforgettable week. 🏀💙 From Jesse Owens Park in South Los Angeles to Loma Alta Park in Altadena, this year's Why Not? Basketball Camp brought young athletes together for two days of basketball, learning, and community.
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Keeping camp free for every camper is something we'll always be committed to. Thank you to every camper, family, coach, volunteer, partner, and supporter who helped make this year's camp possible. We'll see you next summer.
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𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒅: Wellness That Runs Deep 🌱 Hosted by Nina Westbrook, the Why Not Foundation’s 4th Annual Wellness Brunch brought together women for a morning centered on wellness, honest conversation, and meaningful connection.
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A space to reconnect, reflect, and pour into one another. Grateful to the vendors, panelists, attendees, and everyone who helped create a space grounded in care, community, and shared support. Learn more about the our mission and impact at whynotfoundation.org.
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Winter Wonderland at Westbrook Academy ❄️ Now in its third year, students enjoyed a free, on-campus celebration with new shoes, warm treats, hot chocolate and time to play in the snow.
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Led by @russwest44 and @ninawestbrook, the Why Not? Foundation continues to show up for students through moments rooted in care, joy and community. To learn more about Westbrook Academy or how to support, visit whynotfoundation.org.
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It’s #GivingTuesday. Today we’re reflecting on a year of impact and the young people, families, and communities who inspire everything we do. Led by @russwest44 and @ninawestbrook, our work is just beginning. Learn more or support our mission at whynotfoundation.org.
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Grateful for another special day in South LA. Our Why Not? Foundation’s 14th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Distribution continues the tradition @russwest44 and @ninawestbrook started to serve families in a community that means so much to them.
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Over 1,000 free meals were shared at Jesse Owens Park, a community that has always meant so much to us. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible and helped bring people together!
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We can’t wait to come together for our 14th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Distribution! Join us this Thursday for free meals, community, and holiday cheer with our Los Angeles family. Walk-ups welcome! Celebrate with us. 📅 Thursday, Nov. 20 📍 Jesse Owens Park 🕚 11 – 2PM PT
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Happy Birthday, @russwest44! Your vision and drive inspire everything we do at the Why Not? Foundation. Here’s to another year of impact!
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"Given the platform I have, there’s no excuse not to find ways to impact more people every year." Appreciate @joeylinn_ from @SInow for interviewing @russwest44 at our 5th Annual Why Not? Poker Night! 📎 si.com/nba/nuggets/news/excl…
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Poker, purpose and The Golden 5! ♠️✨ Our 5th Annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night with @WPT was a milestone celebration of community and impact.
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Together we supported our pillars of education, workforce development, mental health and wellness, and community engagement — building lasting pathways of empowerment in Los Angeles. This is just the beginning. Learn more at whynotfoundation.org!
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Two days. Two parks. One purpose. The 2025 Why Not? Basketball Camp returned to South LA and for the first time came to Altadena to support youth affected by the Eaton Canyon Fires. We brought these communities together through the game we love.
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With @russwest44 leading the way, we shared free basketball, mentorship, and moments that inspired confidence and connection. Thank you to every camper, coach, and family who made this year truly unforgettable!
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Our 2025 Summer Programming is here! 🌞 🍴 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀: Cooking camps w/ @LittleKitchenA1, built for the underserved communities. 🎨 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀: One-day summer pop-ups full of joy across LA. Visit whynotfoundation.org to join us!
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The 5th Annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night returns Sept. 12 at @WynnLasVegas! ♠️ In partnership with @WPT, this VIP event brings together poker, entertainment and purpose to support youth and working families in South LA. Email events@whynotfoundation.org to learn more.
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100% graduation rate. 51 students. Countless futures ahead for our Westbrook Academy Class of 2025. Some are off to 4-year universities like UCLA, Cal Poly, CSULB, Fullerton and Cal State LA. Others are taking bold steps through community college, careers, and creative paths.
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Whether you’re repping a school or writing your own story, we’re so proud to be part of the journey. Our graduating seniors are just getting started!
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Today on #Juneteenth, the Why Not? Foundation honors the legacy of freedom fighters, advocacy leaders, and the many voices that continue to push for liberation and truth.
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At The Westbrook Academy, mental health is a priority. Last year, @ninawestbrook introduced the Bene Wellness Room — a dedicated space designed to support students’ emotional well-being and mental health.
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From cozy seating to mindfulness tools, the room gives students a place to pause, reflect, and reset. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
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Feeling incredibly grateful for each one of our amazing guests who helped make our 3rd Annual Wellness Brunch the most impactful and memorable one yet. We’re especially thankful for all of our new connections who joined us for the first time, in addition to our returning guests.
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Led by @ninawestbrook, here's to even more growth, connection, and wellness in the years to come! For more information on how to support our mission of creating a future where every young person is equipped to dream, believe, and achieve, visit whynotfoundation.org.
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Feeling incredibly thankful for everyone who made our 3rd Annual Women’s Wellness Brunch a success. Led by @ninawestbrook, this year’s program was dedicated to exploring the versatility of today’s women’s leaders.
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Our panelists included: ✨ @MELODYEHSANI ✨ Bridgid Cheadle ✨ Dr. Jenelle Kim ✨ Ryan Michelle Bathe ✨ Monique Kelley We couldn’t be more proud to host these extraordinary leaders and bring together such a remarkable collective of women all in one place. #WomensHistoryMonth
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Our 3rd Annual Women’s Wellness Brunch is almost here! Led by @ninawestbrook, we couldn’t be more excited to host this week’s event, which honors women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, doctors and trailblazers while prioritizing mental health and wellness.
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Happy #InternationalWomensDay 💐 Today and every day we’re honored to celebrate the strength, resilience and leadership of women around the world. Led by @ninawestbrook, we’re inspired by her unwavering dedication to empowering women and creating spaces where they can thrive.
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