Former UCLA Quarterbacks to Reunite for Charity Fundraiser Benefiting Children's Hospital

Twenty-four former UCLA quarterbacks are scheduled to return to the university campus this weekend for a charity event benefiting UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. The gathering marks the second such fundraiser organized by the group. Participants include notable figures from the program's history, such as the school's only Heisman Trophy winner, the quarterback from the 1983 Rose Bowl victory, and the player known for a perfect record in the crosstown rivalry against USC.

The event begins Friday morning with a visit to children at the on-campus hospital. Afterward, the quarterbacks will convene for lunch at a restaurant in Long Beach where the idea for these reunions originated in 2018. The initial plan was for an event in 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic and held instead in 2023 with 22 participants.

The 2023 reunion raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospital's special-needs fund.

Those funds supported expenses including transportation for severely immunocompromised children and hiring staff to address specialized patient demands. This year's event aims to continue providing financial support for scientific advancements and health care for children requiring life-enhancing treatments.

One former quarterback, who organized the event, stated that participants are traveling from across the country.

The organizer noted the personal significance of reuniting with past and future players from the program. This reunion coincides with the 20th anniversary of a 2006 game in which UCLA defeated then-No. 2 USC 13-9.

On Saturday, the group will attend a practice session before gathering at the Luskin Center for an evening event. , followed by dinner and a panel discussion. A university radio broadcaster will serve as emcee, with two former quarterbacks delivering keynote addresses.