With the Los Angeles Dodgers in the midst of a nine-game homestand, this week is seeing two signature Kershaw’s Challenge events being held.
The first was the 10th annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose at Dodger Stadium, followed two days later with the Back to School Bash. Both events returned to normalcy last year after challenges brought about by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The 2022 Ping Pong 4 Purpose was a first for Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen after a two-year hiatus. Meanwhile, last year’s school event at The Dream Center again was held as more of a festival rather than being limited to a drive-thru event.
2023 Kershaw’s Challenge events
Ping Pong 4 Purpose: July 27
The 10th annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose supported charity Kershaw’s Challenge and its 2023 beneficiaries: The Dream Center, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Arise Africa, Both Ends Believing, International Justice Mission and Hope Walks.
Cedric The Entertainer and Max Greenfield hosted PP4P at Dodger Stadium this year, which was attended by Dodgers players, Mario Lopez, Holly Robinson-Peete, Marcellus Wiley, The Miz and more celebrities.
And for the first time in its history, Kershaw’s Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose included a poker tournament to wrap up the night.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman defeated the duo of Clayton Kershaw and Austin Barnes in the championship round of the 2023 Ping Pong 4 Purpose.
Back to School Bash: July 29
Kershaw’s Challenge and signature partner Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation are again combining to host a Back to School Bash for local students.
Families visiting The Dream Center will be treated to backpacks, an assortment of school supplies, petting zoo, ferris wheel and water slide. UCLA Health is also going to have volunteers on hand to provide dental, nursing and other healthcare services.
“We are halfway through the baseball season, which also means that another school year is about to start,” Kershaw said. “We can’t think of a better way to kick off the second half of baseball than by joining hands with the Dream Center for another Back to School Bash.
“We have four kids of our own, so we understand the excitement of a new school year and also the needs that come with it. Our friends at the Dream Center do such an incredible job of equipping kids and their families for another school year. It’s really a joy for Kershaw’s Challenge to partner with them again this year. Our family is excited to come out on July 29th to meet kids and pass out backpacks. It is an event our family looks forward to every year.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman added: “Kershaw’s Challenge has been a tremendous partner and collaborator in providing at-risk children safe havens to play and learn throughout Los Angeles.
“We’re thrilled to help provide the necessary resources for academic success during the 10th annual Back-to-School Bash, so every child can thrive regardless of their zip code.”
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