The Los Angeles Dodgers will once again hold their annual community service week, the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour, beginning Monday, January 29 and running through Friday, February 2.
The 2024 tour features 11 experiences over five days throughout the greater Los Angeles area with participation from current and former Dodger players, front office staff and volunteers.
“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Bank of America and launch the 2024 Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour, the kickoff of the Dodgers annual community programming,” Dodgers vice president of government and community affairs Kristin McCowan said.
“This year, we are producing one dozen impactful events all intended to provide memorable experiences that showcase the diversity and uniqueness of L.A., to the greatest fans in the world. The tour is a time for celebration: The season is upon us, and the Dodgers remain committed to you, on and off the field.”
The week kicks off with the Dodgers’ annual Employee Day of Service with a focus on providing resources to fight food insecurity.
Staff from the Dodgers front office, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Bank of America employee volunteers will spend the day at a local food bank. Staff will tour the facility and then work together to prepare food packages for more than 29,000 Angelenos.
Simultaneously, Bank of America volunteers will be at the Downtown Women’s Center to help prepare lunch and dinner for the women served by the center’s kitchen.
Tuesday morning begins with an L.A. Reads event with Dodgers prospect Landon Knack reading one of his favorite children’s books.
L.A. Reads is a joint literacy program with LADF, designed to motivate youth to build a lifelong love of reading, with engaging programs and educational resources throughout the year that support literacy and make reading fun for everyone.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fernando Valenzuela is going to visit with a local non-profit gang rehabilitation organization that provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members to our community.
Valenzuela will help prepare tacos and serve participants as they all enjoy a performance from a local mariachi group.
Tuesday’s festivities close out with the Worthy of Love Birthday Bash at Dodger Stadium, where 500 homeless youth and their families will celebrate their birthdays along with Dodger players Landon Knack and Nick Frasso.
Worthy of Love is a non-profit that produces birthday parties and experiences for children experiencing homelessness.
Joe Kelly is going to be out in the community on Wednesday, and at the same time, Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and Michael Grove are scheduled to make a surprise visit at a local Jack in the Box to take orders, serve tacos and greet customers at the counter and drive-thru.
On Thursday morning, Mookie Betts is hosting a financial literacy workshop at Dodger Stadium. Students from Panoroma and Fremont High Schools will be in attendance, as well as LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.
Closing out Thursday, Tony Gonsolin and Hunter Feduccia will visit an animal services center to greet those who are looking to adopt.
The week culminates on Friday with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, where multiple players, including Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, James Outman, Ryan Yarbrough and Tyler Glasnow, will join 30 LAUSD students experiencing homelessness for a fun-filled day enjoying the theme park’s rides and attractions including Super Nintendo World and Jurassic World.
Dodgers players hosting charity events
While the Dodgers host their community tour, some players are also set to hold charity events.
Chris Taylor and his CT3 Foundation are hosting family-friendly game night with all proceeds going to their charity on February 1, at New Realm Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, welcoming families and kids of all ages to join them from 6-8 p.m.
In addition, Betts is hosting his second annual bowling event on Saturday, February 3, at Lucky Strike L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.
Betts will joined by family, friends and fans for the event, with all proceeds benefitting his charity, the 5050 Foundation, which strives to bring out “every kid’s incredible potential.”
Chris and Mary Taylor are also hosting the “CT3 Foundation 2024 Charity Polar Plunge” at the north tower of Manhattan Beach Pier on Sunday, February 4.
Mario López is going to emcee the event, which is expected to include multiple Dodgers players, celebrities and other special guests in attendance to dive into the cold waters of Manhattan Beach.
While fans can purchase tickets for the event, along with choosing a VIP option, donations for the event are also accepted.
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