Young Black Scholars Fundraiser

BLAKE GRIFFIN TO DONATE 2011 KIA OPTIMA TO BENEFIT STAND UP TO CANCER

In Tribute to Friend and Former Teammate Wilson Holloway

 
Auction Begins on Thursday, May 5 at 6 PM PST/ 9 PM EST at www.autotrader.com/BlakeDunk
Additional Donations Can Be Made at www.su2c.org/BlakeDunk

LOS ANGELES – May 5, 2011 – Shortly after being named the NBA’s 2010-11 Rookie of the Year, Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin donated the autographed 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan used in his jaw-dropping dunk in the Sprite Slam Dunk at NBA All-Star 2011 for an upcoming public charity auction on AutoTrader.com to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Proceeds from the auction of the automobile will go directly to cancer research funded by Stand Up To Cancer in tribute to Griffin’s friend and former high school teammate, Wilson Holloway. A Tulsa native, Wilson passed away on February 16 after a three-year battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Griffin will work with Stand Up to Cancer to identify the best way to utilize the funds to target research done specifically for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The 10-day charity auction will run on AutoTrader.com, beginning at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on Thursday, May 5, and will run through 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on Sunday, May 15. To find out more information and to bid on the auction package, go to www.autotrader.com/BlakeDunk

“I am honored to memorialize Wilson’s legacy by helping to raise funds for cancer research,” said Blake Griffin. “Wilson was an inspiration to everybody who knew him, and a very dear friend and teammate. I dedicated my All-Star weekend to him.”

To further support Griffin’s commitment to raise funds for cancer research in honor of Holloway, Stand Up To Cancer has created a fundraising team called Team Blake: In Honor of My Friend, Wilson Holloway, through which the public can donate any amount of money at www.su2c.org/BlakeDunk.

“Wilson Holloway’s memory lives on through the generosity of his friend Blake Griffin,” said Laura Ziskin, a cancer survivor and co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer. “Basketball fans and all of us who have loved or lost someone in the fight against cancer can be a part of Blake’s tribute to Wilson, to help fund critical cancer research that can make a difference.”

AutoTrader.com doesn’t normally offer vehicle auctions, but was pleased to support an auction solution on this occasion to help raise the most money possible. “As the Ultimate Automotive Marketplace, what better place to showcase this unique car, help generate excitement behind this vehicle and raise the most money possible in the fight against cancer,” said AutoTrader.com Chief Marketing Officer Clark Wood.

Griffin dedicated his NBA All-Star 2011 debut to Holloway, and said he plans to give Holloway's family the Sprite Slam Dunk championship trophy he earned with his spectacular dunk over the hood of the Kia Optima.



About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer  -a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the 501 (c) 3 charitable organization of the film and television businesses - raises funds to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C brings together the best and brightest in the cancer research community, encouraging collaboration instead of competition, and draws on the assets of the entertainment industry in unique ways to create awareness and build broad public support for this effort. For more information, go to www.standup2cancer.org.

DODGERS DREAM FOUNDATION, LA84 FOUNDATION DEDICATE NEW DODGERS DREAMFIELD AT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. RECREATION CENTER

--Field is the second Dodgers Dreamfield dedicated in 2011--

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers Dream Foundation, in partnership with the LA84 Foundation and the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks, unveiled a new Dodgers Dreamfield this morning at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Those on hand for the dedication ceremony included Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt, LA84 Foundation Vice President of Grants and Programs Patrick Escobar, Councilmember 8^th District, Bernard C. Parks, Councilmember, 9^th District Jan Perry, State Senator, 22^nd District Kevin de León, General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation Jon Kirk Mukri and President, University Little League Raul Claros. 

Former Dodgers in attendance included Fernando Valenzuela, Maury Wills, Tommy Davis, Bobby Castillo and Kenny Landreaux. Valenzuela and Wills are depicted in murals recently painted overlooking the field, as is former Dodger manager Joe Torre. Former Dodger outfielder and current broadcaster Rick Monday emceed the event.

“Baseball teaches the value of teamwork, dedication and many other important life skills, and we hope this field at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center will provide those opportunities for thousands of kids for years to come,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “We are grateful for this partnership with LA84 and the Department of Recreation and Parks that is making a difference in the lives of the youth of Los Angeles.” 

Renovations to the new Dodgers Dreamfield at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center include a new batting cage, a new outfield windscreen, a new LED scoreboard and new field signage. The field fencing and dugout covers were also refurbished. 

“I am very pleased that even in this difficult financial time, through the efforts of the Dodgers Dream Foundation, the LA84 Foundation and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, we will be able to install a total of eight new Dodgers Dreamfields in parks throughout the City of Los Angeles,” said Mukri. “Through this partnership we will rebuild and renovate these fields to give them a myriad of upgrades, as well as a whole new look and better playability. The rebuilding of these eight fields is a big step forward in achieving our collective goal of providing youth a safe and clean place to play. We are sincerely thankful to both the Dodgers Dream Foundation and LA84 for their generous donations." 

All 17 University Little League teams were on hand for the dedication ceremony, which was followed by a clinic led by the Dodger alumni in attendance. 

"Youngsters who love to play baseball deserve quality facilities where they can play the game to the best of their abilities,” said Escobar. “This is why the LA84 Foundation has teamed up with the Dodgers Dream Foundation and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department to improve the field at MLK Park and others throughout the area.  MLK Park has a long tradition of instilling the love for the game and developing excellent players.  We are pleased to be a small part in helping this tradition continue." 

"On behalf of the families and volunteers of University Little League, Life Skills Sports Academy and the MLK Park community, I'd like to thank the great people at LA84 Foundation, the Department of Recreation and Parks and the greatest organization in professional sports, the L.A. Dodgers, for partnering with us in structuring the lives of tomorrow's leaders,” said Claros.

This past summer, the Dodgers Dream Foundation, the LA84 Foundation and the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks committed to creating eight new Dodgers Dreamfields in the Los Angeles area, with a ninth field in partnership with LA County. The commitment will double the current number of Dreamfields to a total of 18. The Dodgers Dreamfield at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center marks the second of those nine and the second completed Dreamfield in 2011.

Seven of the next planned fields are within Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks properties in the San Fernando Valley, Eastside, South Los Angeles and Central and Harbor areas. An additional field is located in Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas' district. 

Clayton Kershaw To Donate $100 Per Strikeout To Arise Africa

“Kershaw’s Challenge” created to help build orphanage in Zambia

 

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day starter, Clayton Kershaw, announced today that he and his wife, Ellen, will donate $100 for each of his strikeouts during the 2011 season to Arise Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping end poverty on the continent through health care, education, business and discipleship.

 

The Dodgers Dream Foundation will also make a financial commitment to Arise Africa on behalf of Kershaw. As part of “Kershaw’s Challenge,” the 23-year-old left-hander is encouraging fans to join the cause by visiting www.kershawschallenge.com.  

 

A native of Dallas, TX, Kershaw took his first trip to Zambia during the offseason, where he and Ellen helped to build a school and spent time with numerous orphans. Their goal is to raise $70,000 to start an orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia that will be called Hope’s Home, named for an 11-year-old orphan who is HIV positive and whom Clayton and Ellen befriended on their recent trip.

 

“It’s one thing traveling around the United States playing in different cities, even going to different parts of the world,” Kershaw told Dodgers Magazine in an April cover story. “But when you go to a third-world country and see how other cultures live, it’s very different. You think it’s something that happened way back in the day, but plenty of people are living in houses that would be considered shacks here without running water or electricity. It makes you thankful for what you have.”

 

Kershaw ranked fifth in the National League with 212 strikeouts last season and has fanned 497 batters in 483 big league innings. He struck out 276 batters in 220.1 minor league innings from 2006-08.

 

The trip to Zambia was Ellen Kershaw’s fifth.

 

“I always say the first time you’ve hugged a Zam­bian orphan it’ll change your life,” she told Dodgers Magazine. “It’s because that whole blanket of poverty becomes very personal, and you see the one life that you can impact and what a difference you can make… Going to Zambia really broadened both of our perspectives. I think we’re just trying to leave a legacy, leave a mark.”

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS FOUNDATION PRESENTS CHARITY BASKETBOWL CHALLENGE

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation presents the Charity Basketbowl Challenge on Sunday, March 27 at Keystone Lanes in Norwalk, CA. The Clippers Foundation invites all fans to join the entire Clippers team for a fun-filled afternoon of bowling that serves to help children in the community. Proceeds from the Charity Basketbowl Challenge will benefit the Los Angeles Clippers Foundation and local children’s charities.

 

To register and for additional information, please contact (310) 862-6031 or click here for more information: http://www.nba.com/clippers/community/basketbowl11.html

 

To view photos from last year’s Basketbowl Challenge, click here: http://www.nba.com/clippers/photogallery/basketbowl_challenge_100320_1.html

 

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation exists to foster and support community outreach programs and activities with positive educational, civic, environmental and humanitarian values that benefit and enhance the quality of life primarily for children in greater Los Angeles.

 

 

 

UNDER ARMOUR AND BRANDON JENNINGS GIVE ALL-STAR TREATMENT TO ROWLEY PARK BASKETBALL COURT

WHAT:            Under Armour and Brandon Jennings have teamed up to bring a state-of-the-art basketball court renovation to Rowley Park in Brandon’s hometown of Gardena, CA. Rowley Park is Brandon’s original “home court,” the place where as a young child he learned the love of the game that still drives him to succeed today. The updated outdoor court will be unveiled at a celebration kicking off NBA All-Star Week.

The updated court features a new Sport Court rubber surface with the Under Armour and Brandon Jennings “BJ3” logos and premium NBA regulation hoops. The celebration brings Brandon’s energy and excitement for his hometown back to the people he loves most, with festivities for kids including a H.O.R.S.E. competition against Brandon, pick-up games, a Mobile Barbershop providing free haircuts, Under Armour gear prizes, and the culmination of the celebration---a ribbon cutting with Brandon Jennings and the Mayor of Gardena. 

WHO:               Brandon Jennings, NBA point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks

                        Matt Mirchin, Under Armour SVP, Sports Marketing

                        Mayor Paul Tanaka, Mayor of Gardena, CA

WHEN:             Thursday, February 17, 2011

                        3:00PM- 5:00PM

WHERE:           Rowley Park

13220 S. Van Ness Ave

Gardena, CA 90247

LEXUS AND L.A. CLIPPER BARON DAVIS DO GOOD FOR UNDERSERVED CHILDREN: CHALLENGES CELEBRITY FRIENDS TO RACE IN THE LEXUS CT 200H

(Los Angeles, CA) February 10, 2011 – Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis is teaming up with leading luxury automaker Lexus to raise funds for his foundation, Rising Stars of America (RSOA).  On Thursday, February 17^th at 4 p.m., Davis will host The CT 200h Challenge at 1220 S. Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles.  The Challenge will consist of a competitive race in Lexus CT 200h hybrid vehicles driven by Davis and his celebrity friends.

Presently, Davis is challenging fellow celebrities via his Twitter handle, @Baron_ Davis, to race on a specially constructed obstacle course near the Staples Center.  Celebrities from TV, film and sports will compete in the all-new CT 200h to achieve the fastest time.  The winner will receive either a year lease of the CT 200h or have the opportunity to donate the lease of the vehicle to a charity of his or her choice.

The benefit to the RSOA foundation will result from $1,000 awarded to Davis for each celebrity who participates in the competition.  RSOA is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that utilizes athletics, mentorship and positive role modeling to teach kids life skills as well as ethical and social values.

Celebrities who accept Davis’ challenge will be among the first to drive the all-new Lexus CT 200h.  This sporty hybrid delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience not seen in hybrids before.  With four different drive modes, including Sport, Normal, ECO and an all-electric EV mode, the CT offers true personalization of the driving experience.  While it features Lexus luxury throughout, it also leads the luxury class in fuel economy with a 42 mpg city/highway combined rating.  

The CT 200h Challenge is open to the public. Live music will be played by DJ Skee and an assortment of Twitter-based food trucks including The Komodo and Sweets will be on hand.  For more information please visit www.facebook.com/Lexus and click on the CT 200h tab.

DODGERS ANNUAL COMMUNITY CARAVAN PRESENTED BY USC UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 14-15

                   

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers will embark on their eighth annual Community Caravan on Monday, February 14 and Tuesday, February 15. This year’s Dodgers Community Caravan presented by USC University Hospital is themed “Two Days of Community Service” where current and former Dodger players will join Dodger fans in giving back to Los Angeles Community.  

 

Monday, February 14

 

Day one of the Dodgers Community Caravan will feature Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly and Dodgers Andre Ethier and James Loney. Hall of Fame Manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda alongside former Dodgers Steve Garvey, Bobby Castillo, Tommy Davis, Kenny Landreaux and Rudy Law and Dodger broadcaster Steve Lyons will also participate.

 

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.        Los Angeles River Cleanup (Public must pre-register for a chance to participate)

 

The Dodgers in partnership with Los Angeles City Council District 1, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and Los Angeles Conservation Corps/Los Angeles River Keepers will clean up the banks of the L.A. River.

 

Dodger fans must pre-register online to participate. The event is open to the first 250 registrants that sign up at www.dodgers.com/caravan.

 

5:00 p.m.                                Lopez Tonight Taping in Burbank

 

The Dodgers will make an appearance on George Lopez’s national show to share their community service experiences.

 

Tuesday, February 15

 

Dodgers Rafael Furcal, Matt Kemp, Tony Gwynn Jr., Jay Gibbons and Gabe Kapler will join former Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela, Ron Cey, Derrel Thomas, “Sweet” Lou Johnson and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe in the Los Angeles community for day two of the Dodgers Community Caravan. Dodger broadcasters Charley Steiner and Pepe Yñiguez will also partake.

 

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.        Heal the Bay, Santa Monica (Public must pre-register for a chance to participate)

                                               

Dodger fans will join the Dodgers on a Heal the Bay cleanup at Santa Monica beach. The event is open to the first 750 fans that register online at www.healthebay.org/events. Participants will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win autographed baseballs, Dodger tickets and raffle items at the day’s event.

 

4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.       Dodgers Dreamfield Dedication Ceremony at Northridge Recreation Center

 

                                                The Dodgers Dream Foundation will dedicate its 10^th Dodgers Dreamfield at the Northridge Recreation Center. Councilman Greig Smith will join and youngsters from the community will participate in the field’s first clinic with the Dodgers who will instruct them on the fundamentals of baseball.

 

More information on the Dodgers Dream Foundation and the club’s charitable endeavors can be found at dodgers.com/community.

Torii Hunter Project Sponsors Little League's Jamborees

--Little League’s Urban Initiative State Jamborees Begin with Event in Atlanta--

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – In an effort to give more children and more leagues the opportunity to participate in a tournament setting, Little League’s Urban Initiative will hold jamborees in four locations this summer.  Events will be held in Atlanta, Ga.; Houston; Chicago; and, Newark, N.J.

“Beginning in 2004, local leagues participating in the Little League Urban Initiative were invited to the annual Jamboree held on the Little League International complex,” Demiko Ervin, Director of the Little League Urban Initiative, said.  “Those events were successful and beneficial for the leagues involved.  The primary goals of taking the Jamboree to the state level are to increase the number of children from Urban Initiative Little Leagues that get to participate in a ‘tournament style’ event, and to better serve Urban Initiative leagues on a state-wide basis by giving local league members, coaches and players a greater chance to network and share ideas.”

The Little League Urban Initiative was established in 1999 to provide opportunities for communities in metropolitan areas to reap the benefits of having Little League in their neighborhoods.

The first Urban Initiative State Jamboree will take place in Atlanta, May 28-31.  There will be more than 150 players participating comprising 11 teams.  Belvedere Little League, based in Decatur, Ga., will serve as the host for the weekend-long event and activities.  All Jamboree games will be played at Shoal Creek Park in Decatur.  Urban Initiative leagues from the state of Georgia and South Carolina will compete in the Jamboree.

The state-based jamborees in the four locations this summer are sponsored by the Torii Hunter Project.  The all-star outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, founded the organization as part of a comprehensive, long-term effort to impact children in need in various parts of the United States.  Now in his 14th Major League season, Mr. Hunter’s project has four areas of focus related to children: sports, community, education, and wellness.

The Jamboree in Houston will take place June 3-5, with teams from across Texas participating.  Chicago’s Jamboree will welcome Urban Initiative Leagues from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana for an event scheduled for June 11-13.  The same weekend as the Jamboree in Chicago, a Jamboree in Newark, N.J. will take place with teams from across New Jersey and one team from Philadelphia expected to participate.

“The motivation behind extending the Jamboree concept to the state level was a matter of opportunity,” Mr. Ervin said.  “Bringing teams to South Williamsport, giving them a chance to play on the World Series fields, and exposing them to Little League’s history and origin are all great, but we want to take the next step.  The next step is recognizing those leagues that have embraced the Urban Initiative mission and allow them to show what a local league can do with the proper mix of resources, support and community involvement.”

The Jamborees in Chicago and Newark will feature a clinic for the participating players conducted by The Baseball Factory.

The four jamborees this summer will take the place of the annual Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree that Little League International hosted Memorial Day weekend.  During the six years the Jamboree was played at the Little League International complex in South Williamsport, Pa., teams from 66 different Urban Initiative leagues and more than 800 players participated.


The Little League Urban Initiative is now operating with more than 200 leagues in nearly 85 cities in the United States.  Through the 2009 Little League season, the Little League Urban Initiative has stimulated the participation of 3,901 teams and approximately 51,000 players.  The Urban Initiative has also participated in nearly thirty field renovation/development projects, including a current project in Richmond, Va.

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.6 million players and 1 million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.

###

DODGERS DREAM FOUNDATION BOWLING EXTRAVAGANZA HOSTED BY JAMES LONEY TO BE HELD THIS MONDAY, MAY 3

WHAT:   Dodger first baseman James Loney will host the Sixth Annual State Farm Dodgers Dream Foundation Bowling Extravaganza. All proceeds will benefit the Dodgers Dream Foundation, which is committed to providing educational, athletic and recreational opportunities for the youth of the Greater Los Angeles community. This year marks the third consecutive season in which Loney has hosted the event.

Attendees can bid on more than 40 unique items in the silent auction including: a LA Kings team signed jersey, Blake Griffin signed LA Clippers Jersey, and autographed game-used baseball bats from Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and Russell Martin. A special “Green Monster” live auction featuring two tickets on the Green Monster at Fenway Park to the Sunday, June 20 Dodgers vs. Red Sox game, airfare for two on JetBlue Airways and a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston will also be held.

Lanes are still available for purchase by calling (323) 224-1413.

                       
WHO:             Dodgers James Loney, Russell Martin, Matt Kemp, Manny Ramirez, Clayton Kershaw, Blake DeWitt, Reed Johnson, Ramon Troncoso, A.J. Ellis, Charlie Haeger, George Sherrill, Ken Howell, Mariano Duncan and Rick Honeycutt

Celebrity bowlers include: James Denton, Alyssa Milano, Tom Arnold, David Arquette, Paul Wall, Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Greg Grunberg, James Kyson Lee, Scott Porter, Peter Jacobson, Omar Miller, Rex Lin, Hoobastank, Doug Savant, Justin Hartley and Lindsay Hartley



WHERE:   Lucky Strike Lanes L.A. LIVE
                   800 W. Olympic Blvd.


WHEN:  Monday, May 3, 2010

               6:00 p.m. Registration

               7:00 p.m. Bowling & Dinner

               10:00 p.m. Awards

               10:30 p.m. Event Concludes



MISC:   Loney was the Dodgers’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2008 for his commitment to the Los Angeles community. That year, the first baseman launched his community initiative “Loney’s Lounge” and visited children at UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital and White Memorial Hospital. Loney continued his community work last season with “Loney’s Lounge” where he hosted children from RBI Los Angeles.

The Dodgers and the Dodgers Dream Foundation (DDF) assisted more than 5,000 charitable organizations in 2009. More than 100,000 tickets were donated, yet another Dodgers Dreamfield was built, and former and current players made more than 450 appearances. More information on the Dodgers Dream Foundation and the club’s charitable endeavors can be found at dodgers.com/community.


Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

For media information, visit www.dodgerspressbox.com.

Dwight Howard Launches Dwight Howard Fund; Challenges Fans to Give Back

--Fund to initially target humanitarian efforts on Haitian youths affected by the earthquake--

ORLANDO, FL., April 14, 2010 – Dwight Howard, 2009 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and 4-time winner of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award, is proud to launch his Dwight Howard Fund with the mission to help at-risk youths around the world.

The “Dwight Howard Fund” (DHF) was kicked off by the NBA player at his teammate, Adonal Foyle’s, Gala Dinner & Caribbean Fête for the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) in Orlando, Florida. Howard has tapped KLF to manage the fund on his behalf. Foyle, a recent inductee into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, founded KLF to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults.

“Adonal has been giving back for many years, so it felt great to partner with him on my new fund and benefit from his experience,” said Howard. “I’m excited to make a difference for kids in Haiti, and I’ll be counting on my fans to help me make some great things happen.”

Howard has made an initial personal investment of $100,000 to directly help at-risk Haitian children affected most by January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

“I was personally moved to do something international after spending time in South Africa last summer and finding out the impact I can make on kids from a different culture and place,” said Dwight Howard. “Haiti seemed like the perfect place to start and a place that really needs the help. They were a poor country and then they had the devastating earthquake, so they need a lot of help. There have been a lot of relief efforts in Haiti already but there’s still a lot of work to do there, especially with the children.”

DHF will commence with an online fundraising campaign to help match Howard’s personal contribution for Haiti. For a minimum donation of $2.99, Howard’s fans will have the opportunity to win a once in a lifetime experience of a $500 Adidas shopping spree with Dwight Howard himself. Winners will be chosen based on those who recruit the most other donors in addition to the selection of a random winner. Visit www.dwighthowardfund.org or www.pinkdingo.com/dhf for details and to donate.


About Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF)
KLF was founded by Adonal Foyle, a native of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and professional basketball player to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults. KLF uses basketball as a bridge to the next generation, promoting education and health awareness, providing free basketball clinics and building/refurbishing basketball courts to more than 2,500 youth since its inception. KLF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please visit www.kerosenelampfoundation.org for more information. 

LAKERS OWNER DR. JERRY BUSS TO HOST POKER TOURNAMENT BENEFITING THE SMILE TRAIN

EL SEGUNDO  -  On Saturday, April 10, Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss will host a poker tournament at The Bicycle Casino in Bell Gardens benefiting the Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity. 

The charity event begins at 3p.m. with registration and a lunch buffet, with the no-limit hold’em poker tournament starting at 5 p.m.  The $275 entry fee covers a $250 donation to the Smile Train plus a $25 registration fee.

Participants will be eligible to receive over $25,000 in Lakers memorabilia and prizes, including floor seats to a Lakers game, dinner with Dr. Buss in his STAPLES Center suite, autographed jerseys and basketballs, framed photos and more.  No cash prizes will be given. 

Buss, who will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on August 13th, recently raised over $175,000 for the Lakers Youth Foundation at the team’s 20th Annual Celebrity Golf Invitational and Dinner at the Riviera Country Club on March 22.  For his philanthropic efforts, Buss has been honored by organizations such as the City of Hope, Urban League, NAACP and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, while funding scholarships at his alma maters, the University of Wyoming and USC.

For information on how to register for the poker tournament, please call The Bicycle Casino at (562) 806-4646 ext. 545, or visit their website at www.thebike.com.

Smile Train is the world’s leading cleft charity, dedicated to helping the millions of children in the world who suffer from cleft lip and palate, by providing free surgery for patients and free training for doctors.  To learn more, visit www.smiletrain.org.

Landmine Relief Fund To Hold Fundraiser

Cambodia Self Help Demining (CSHD) completed its first year in operation at the end of 2009.  We are holding a fundraiser and auction in Palm Springs on April 6, 2010.  It starts at 7pm at Peabody's Cafe, 134 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.

 

The Auction will be to benefit the Landmine Relief Fund, a 501c3 Charity that supports Cambodian Self Help Demining (CSHD).

 

In our first year in the field CSHD:

• cleared over 163,000 square meters of land
• put over 2,400 people back on land that was, quite literally, killing them before we showed up
• and we did it for $4,313 per month

This year we plan on adding our 2nd de-mining team.  It will be an all woman team.  Not the first in the country, but it will be the first run by and for Khmers. 

Our team leader is named Sophary.  She is currently our Office Manager.  She works for us full time, goes to school full time, is putting her brother and sister through school.  She's helping her parents pay off their mortgage, and in her spare time, she has a volunteer job.

She is graduating from university in July with a degree in accounting.  She has the opportunity to go to grad school on a full scholarship.  She wants to clear landmines.  One of her best friends was Akira's late wife, Hourt.  Watch the video at the following link.  It's about CSHD and Hourt gives her vision at the end.  It was and is Sophary's vision too.
http://www.blip.tv/file/3071875

Sophary is 23 years old.  I've attached her photo.

The Cambodia Landmine Museum, also started by Akira, was founded to spread the word about the after effects of our stupid actions, and to care for the children he and his wife took in.  We currently have 26 kids and will be adding 20+ more before the end of the year.  Á photo of them are also included.  Some are landmine derfulvictims, some were born without limbs, some are orphans and others come from families to poor to feed and clothe them.  We do all that.

I'll be returning to LA for a few days to help organize and run the event.  If you can be there, that would be wonderful.  If you can help with publicity, that would be outstanding.  If you have questions, call me here (my number is noted below) or send me an email.  If you use Verizon, you can text me.

We all work very hard to make this event special, and worthwhile for all.  We've got some great items including jewelry made from eunexplooded ordinance (bombs that didn't go boom and were waiting to kill), B&Bs in Maine, lots of Khmer items, and 2 nights iand 3 days in Siem Reap Cambodia, dinner with Akira and a chance to 'push the button' and blow up a landmine.

Thanks for your help


Babu


 

William W. Morse   

              Post Office Box 4904                          
Palm Springs, CA 92263

USA

 

President                             International Project Manager

Landmine Relief Fund            Cambodian Self Help Demining   

                         

1.760.834.5613  in the USA          

(855) 015 674 163  in Cambodia         

bill@Landmine-Relief-Fund.com

wwmorse@gmail.com

 

Website:  www.Landmine-Relief-Fund.com

Click here for   Bill's Facebook page

Click here for our Blog:  Aki Ra, Landmine and News from the Jungle

 

May I become at all times, both now and forever, a protector for those without protection, a guide for those who have lost their way, a ship for those with oceans to cross, a bridge for those with rivers to cross, a sanctuary for those in danger, a lamp for those without light, a place of refuge for those who lack shelter, and a servant to all in need.- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

Angels Fans Can Win Chance To Be Honorary Bat Girl At Angel Stadium

--Program to Reward Inspirational Stories of Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer--

Major League Baseball® (MLB) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, today launched the 2010 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, a campaign developed in celebration of Mother’s Day in ballparks around the country to recognize MLB fans who are Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer in their daily lives. Men and women 18 and older can go online at www.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl to vote and enter to win a chance at becoming the team’s Honorary Bat Girl during this year’s scheduled Mother’s Day celebration on May 9.

Visiting Clubs on Mother’s Day will select another date in May to recognize their winners. The Honorary Bat Girl for the Angels will have an opportunity to take part in pre-game activities, be honored during an on-field ceremony and receive two tickets to the game and pink MLB merchandise. MLB.com, the official web site of MLB, has begun accepting fan submissions for the online contest that ends April 13.

During the six-week online submission period, baseball fans can share and vote on stories of inspiration and hope of how they are supporting the fight against breast cancer in their daily lives and why they want to be an Honorary Bat Girl for the Angels. Testimonials can be submitted by breast cancer survivors, advocates and supporters of the cause. A celebrity panel of judges will select the winning submission, based on the following criteria: originality, quality of writing, demonstration of commitment to breast cancer awareness and public appeal as determined by online fan votes.

“We feel privileged to have the opportunity to raise awareness for this very important cause”, team Chairman Dennis Kuhl said. “While we continue the fight against breast cancer, it is imperative that we honor those whose have given of themselves to help others.”

The program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer initiative, a joint effort between MLB, its licensed partners and Komen for the Cure. Last year, more than 1,000 testimonials were submitted online and one winner per Club was selected by a panel of judges and nearly 2.2 million fan votes were cast.

On Mother’s Day (May 9), Major League Baseball and its Clubs, along with Komen for the Cure, will celebrate the Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer initiative, which is designed to raise awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research.

Hundreds of MLB players will use pink bats by Louisville Slugger, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, stamped with the MLB breast cancer logo. To further demonstrate their support for the breast cancer cause, players and on-field personnel will wear the symbolic pink ribbon on their uniforms along with pink wrist bands. Commemorative dugout lineup cards also will be pink. In addition to promotional support, Major League Baseball Charities has committed $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Game-used Louisville Slugger pink bats will be auctioned off at MLB.com at a later date to raise additional funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fans can purchase their own personalized pink bat at www.mlb.com or www.slugger.com, with $10 from the sale of each pink bat benefitting Komen for the Cure.

Zach Randolph Helps Heat Memphis

Memphis, TN--On the court, Grizzlies Power Forward Zach Randolph is used to making power moves. Wednesday, he scored major points off the court footing the bill to restore power to Jerry Powell's Clearpool Circle home.

"He's wonderful. He's a blessing from God!" exclaimed Jerry Powell.

Powell's been without utilities for about two months. Her job slashed her hours and MLGW cut her power after she racked up a $600 bill.

Now the heat is back on thanks to Randolph's kindness. He's agreed to pay the overdue bills for Powell and fourteen other MLGW customers.


wreg.com: Zach Randolph Helps Heat Memphis


 

Help Haiti Earthquake Victims By Donating Shoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn./LOS ANGELES, Ca. (January 14, 2010) – Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) and Sport Chalet have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Sport Chalet will help collect footwear to support Soles4Souls’ commitment to donate more than 250,000 pairs of shoes to affected areas. Beginning January 15 through January 31, customers at Sport Chalet’s more than 55 stores will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts.

Soles4Souls has partnered with Operation Compassion, a charity that mobilizes support for victims of natural disasters around the world, to transport and distribute the aid. Thirty containers of supplies, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, are already en route to Haiti.

“As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We deeply appreciate the support of Sport Chalet and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.”

The death toll from Tuesday’s quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.

"Being reminded of how fragile our world is, and seeing the devastation that has affected so many, makes it evident that our continued partnership with charities like Soles4Souls is more relevant than ever," said Craig Levra, Chairman and CEO of Sport Chalet. "With 55 Sport Chalet drop-off locations in four states, we are asking our customers, our employees, and our vendors to stop by and donate their gently worn shoes for those so tragically affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Since we live with this same threat every day, it is a natural response for Sport Chalet  to help, and we are so pleased to be able to do so."

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

ANGELS’ GROUNDSKEEPERS TO HOLD 9th ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE

The Angels Groundskeepers will be holding their 9th annual Thanksgiving Holiday Canned Food Drive on Friday, November 20th thru Sunday, November 22nd at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Hours for the food drive will be 8 AM - 4 PM. Participants can enter Angel Stadium through Gate #1.

Fans will have the opportunity to step up to the plate at Angel Stadium and take a swing for the fences. Donations of two cans of food will be good for one swing against a pitching machine with a maximum of 20 pitches per participant.

Fans may also donate $1 per pitch as well. Speed pitch machines will also be set up in the bullpens giving fans the opportunity to test their pitching skills for a donation of one canned food item or $1 per pitch.

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to shag fly balls in the outfield for a donation of $25 for 15 minutes. The Angels will provide bats, balls and helmets.

All proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County in the fight against hunger during the holiday season. Those who are unable to attend, but would still like to make a monetary donation, may send checks to: Second Harvest Food Bank, 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618 or visit their website at www.feedoc.org.

Visit the Angels on the Internet at www.angelsbaseball.com

HIROKI KURODA TO DONATE $100,000 TO DODGERS DREAM FOUNDATION

Right-hander seeking to help find a cure for cancer while reaching out to youngsters

LOS ANGELES – The 2008 National League West Division Champion Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that right-hander Hiroki Kuroda will donate $100,000 to the Dodgers Dream Foundation, including a portion that will benefit the team’s official charity, ThinkCure!

“Since coming to Los Angeles, I have been very impressed with the great work of the Dodgers Dream Foundation in helping kids in so many ways,” said Kuroda. “I saw the incredible efforts of ThinkCure! during our visit to City of Hope and I, myself, have lost my parents to cancer and hope that this will help eliminate this terrible disease.”

Kuroda joined the Dodgers in 2008 following a successful 11-year career in the Japanese Central League. While with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, he would leave 15 tickets per game for children who had lost their parents.

He became the seventh Japanese player in Dodger history when he won his Major League debut on April 4. The right-hander went on to post a 9-10 record and was one of just 19 pitchers in the National League to register an ERA below 3.75.

In the postseason, Kuroda made two starts and earned victories in each of them, pitching 6.1 scoreless innings in the deciding Game 3 of the National League Division Series against Chicago before allowing two earned runs in 6.0 innings of the Dodgers’ lone victory against the eventual World Champion Phillies in the National League Championship Series.

Kuroda’s arrival was met with great anticipation, as his introductory news conference was attended by more than 50 media outlets from around the world.

Shortly after coming to Los Angeles, he took part in the Dodgers’ Community Caravan in February, where he visited patients at City of Hope, which along with Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, has joined with the Dodgers in the creation of ThinkCure! In addition, Kuroda visited Washington Accelerated Elementary in Pasadena and served Dodger fans lunch alongside his teammates, as he was a “waiter” at the Panda Inn.

Jason Richardson Sponsors Scholarships for 17 Students

Here's a story that probably deserves way more attention than it received. Outside of Michigan and North Carolina, I doubt this story got any play at all.

Congrats to J-Rich for trying to make a difference in the lives of our youth without putting a basketball or a microphone in their hands.

MARY L. LAWRENCETHE
Saginaw News

Changing their lives for the better has netted 17 Saginaw County 2008 high school graduates a share of $75,000 from a National Basketball Association star.

Working with the Saginaw Community Foundation and the Saginaw Intermediate School District, Saginaw native Jason Richardson is funding $500 scholarships for Saginaw County Turnaround students.

Richardson, a 1999 graduate of Arthur Hill High School, played college basketball at Michigan State University.

http://www.mlive.com/saginawnews/news/index.ssf/2008/07/nba_star_jason_richardson_give.html


And while we are giving some love to Jason Richardson, I think it's a good time to revisit the following photo. Remember this sick move from the NBA All-Star Dunk Contest? Come on, Jason. I mean, seriously!