Russell Westbrook's Wellness Foundation Launches Initiative in Los Angeles
The 4th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Brunch raised money for a new series of community-centered wellness events.
Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on February 09, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images.
Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation is launching a wellness initiative in the Los Angeles area. The foundation hosted the 4th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Brunch Fundraiser on May 29 in Los Angeles.
The lavish event was the culmination of a series of mental health awareness events that were part of an initiative to expand mental wellness education. In an effort to build restorative programs in Los Angeles and Altadena, the foundation has partnered with local women-led non-profits to deliver targeted wellness activities for women, youth and families in the area.
Why Not? partnered with regional nonprofits like Shepherd’s Door Domestic Violence Resource Center, The Jenesse Center and Neighborhood Survants, to launch the localized, multi-tiered programming model, which aims to tackle disparities in mental health access for vulnerable populations.
The initial week-long series schedule featured wellness events, including a free, volunteer-run clinic for fire survivors and individuals in crisis. The clinic also provides trauma-informed yoga, acupuncture and Reiki healing for domestic violence survivors. Additional sessions highlight local Black-owned businesses.
“Healing starts with feeling seen, supported and valued,” said Tunisia Offray, co-founder of Shepherd’s Door. “We are grateful to the Why Not? Foundation for helping create a safe space where our clients can prioritize their mental wellness.”
The 4th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Brunch Fundraiser was co-hosted by Bene by Nina Westbrook. This year’s event, “Rooted: Wellness That Runs Deep,” served as the foundation’s primary fundraiser for its mental health initiatives. The afternoon featured a panel with life coach Alicia “Ace” Easter, New York Times bestselling author Anna Malaika Tubbs, Emmy-winning host and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown, and a conversation with Peabody-winning showrunner Mara Brock Akil.
The panel was moderated by Nina Westbrook and hosted by broadcast journalist Cari Champion.
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