Earlier this month the Los Angeles Dodgers partnered with Worthy of Love to host a birthday party at Dodger Stadium for local children experiencing homelessness.
Over 300 children from various shelters throughout the city were welcomed to Chavez Ravine for a two-hour event that included face painting, a petting zoo, dance off and more.
“The Dodgers are honored to partner with Worthy of Love to help create an exciting and memorable time for children and teens experiencing homelessness,” Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez said.
“Every child deserves to be celebrated on their birthday, regardless of their financial background.”
March babies, stand up! Last night, the Dodgers and Worthy of Love celebrated over 300 children with a big birthday party at Dodger Stadium. They played games, danced and even enjoyed a mini petting zoo. pic.twitter.com/AYJSTc2Yto
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 11, 2022
Founded in 2013, Worthy of Love is a 501(c)3 organization that arranges unforgettable birthday parties for children and families facing homelessness in the Los Angeles area.
“We’re so excited to be celebrating our nine-year anniversary. For the last four years, the Dodgers have been an integral part of Worthy of Love,” executive director and founder of the organization Mary Davis said.
Worthy of Love has celebrated more than 10,000 children and focuses on creating an exciting, all-expenses paid experience.
The Dodgers and Worthy of Love previously partnered for an in-person birthday celebration in 2020 that was attended by Matt Beaty and Alex Verdugo.
“It’s a great event,” Verdugo told DodgerBlue.com at the time. “Kids who are homeless and on Skid Row, it’s their birthday month, so the Dodgers put a whole event together with food, DJ, activities, pets, face painting. It’s really to give the people who aren’t as fortunate or going through hard times, giving them a couple hours to relax and have fun.
“And for me, it’s have fun, make memories and make these kids smile. Because at the same time they’re making me laugh. The things they come up with is amazing. It’s a lot of fun.”
Last year, former Dodgers prospect Josiah Gray and Tony Gonsolin participated in virtual birthday celebration.
Also this year, the franchise rebranded their sports-based youth development program, Dodgers RBI, as Dodgers Dreamteam. The announcement was made at Dodger Stadium, complete with a new logo, and Magic Johnson and Adrian Gonzalez among those in attendance.
“Together over the last two years we’ve endured so much, yet we’ve stood by our sides and the side of the community to show up for those who needed us most,” Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman said.
“As we gather to celebrate the rebrand of one of our most impactful programs, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as I think about the allies who have made this day possible. I want to thank our partners, our sponsors, our board members, our advisory committee, Dodgers ownership and leadership, and the amazing Dodgers Foundation team. Each day I wake up motivated, knowing that the work we do will have generational impact.
“The kids and families we serve deserve our dedication. They deserve our advocacy, they deserve for us to fight for them day in and out. As we slowly create a new reality after such a brutal two years, LADF will not waiver in our mission to uplift Angelenos. Especially during the most challenging times. Our work is proof through collaboration and partnership that magic happens.
“Our work is an endless love letter to Los Angeles. We are more than just a city, the Dodgers are more than just a team, and the Dodgers Foundation is bigger than baseball. We are tackling the most pressing problems facing our city, with a mission to improve education, healthcare, homelessness and social justice for all of us.”
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