Gary Payton II Foundation Hosts Fundraising Draft Day Event to Empower Children with Dyslexia

Gary Payton II knows this disappointment personally. Sixteen years after his father was drafted second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1990, Payton went undrafted in 2016 despite being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at Oregon State.

To commemorate this pivotal day in his life a decade later, Payton’s sister, Raquel Payton Childs, organized a special draft party that extended beyond his personal journey. The event, named Draft Day '26, served as a signature fundraiser for the Gary Payton II Foundation, which focuses on supporting children with dyslexia and their families. Instead of its usual mixer in wine country, this year’s event transformed the ninth floor of Chase Center into a gala and a live draft spectacle.

“We wanted to connect the emotional roller coaster of our experiences to families who are constantly seeking resources for their children,” Payton Childs told NBC Sports Bay Area. Each draft pick in the event represented specific financial contributions to support dyslexia evaluations and resources: the first pick was valued at $10,000, with subsequent picks corresponding to lower amounts based on the level of evaluation.

The evening included trivia related to the NBA, Gary Payton II, and dyslexia, with prizes for the winning teams. Payton Childs emphasized the importance of understanding the evaluation process that many families face while seeking resources for dyslexia.

A video played before the draft featuring Payton’s narration highlighted his work helping children across the Bay Area through initiatives focused on wellness, education, and support for dyslexia. It included a story about a child who received a scholarship from the foundation for a critical dyslexia evaluation.

In his brief speech, Payton expressed gratitude to his sister and his mother, Monique, recognizing their support in his journey. He humorously noted, “I guess this is my draft party since I didn’t … you know how the story goes.”

Monique Payton shared her own reflections, holding onto her son’s psychoeducational evaluation results from when he was in fourth grade, a vital document that had a profound impact on their lives. She remembered how confused both she and Gary were before understanding his dyslexia.

“Before that, it was just like, I don't want to do this, and that's what created friction with me and my parents at home,” Payton said, recalling his struggles with reading. He later found clarity through support, which encouraged him to seek help and embrace his learning differences.

The turning point came when Monique arranged a meeting with actor Henry Winkler, who reassured Gary that he was not alone and could harness his dyslexia as a unique strength.

Now, Payton is dedicated to helping children with dyslexia find their own paths to confidence. He regularly interacts with fans, particularly children who share similar challenges, offering them encouragement.

“It's crazy how many kids come up to me now and say, ‘Yo, GP, I have dyslexia too,’” Payton shared. “Just to have kids, whether I’m out and about, say that they relate to me is a dope feeling.”

The inaugural Draft Day event exceeded its goal of raising $150,000, bringing in a total of $233,500, significantly more than the prior year.

Payton, who received the NBA’s first Bob Lanier Community Assist Award in March 2022 for his advocacy work, continues to focus on uplifting children with dyslexia, hoping to instill the same confidence and resources he needed during his formative years.

“Just ask for help. It’s not shameful to ask for help,” he emphasized, promoting a message of strength and support for those facing similar challenges.