The Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB completed a renovation of an All-Star Veterans Courtyard at the Volunteers of America Ballington Plaza Apartments in the Skid Row neighborhood of downtown L.A.
It was carried out as part of the 2020 All-Star Legacy projects that coincided with the Dodgers being awarded this season’s MLB All-Star Game. That ultimately was rescheduled for 2022 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Despite that, the Dodgers have continued to make progress on the original initiatives. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation recently held a virtual groundbreaking video ceremony for the All-Star Dodgers Dreamfield and All-Star Teen Center at William Mead Homes in Chinatown.
The volunteer-based event at VOA was conducted with CDC guidelines in mind. The group transformed existing green space into a restorative garden, built new picnic tables and painted an art mural, among other improvements.
The Dodgers and @MLB helped renovate the Veterans Courtyard at the Volunteers of America Ballington Plaza Apartments. The renovation was in partnership with @missioncontinue, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans adjust to life at home and find new missions. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/PO0XnPGQdE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 11, 2020
The Courtyard at the Volunteers of American Ballington Plaza Apartments was renovated in partnership with The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions.
The new All-Star Veterans Courtyard was then unveiled Monday, in advance of Veterans Day.
Dodgers Foundation adapting
Like countless other organizations, the LADF has been forced to adjust their strategy while still providing for those in need. Among the changes was transitioning an annual run to a virtual experience from Nov. 8-15.
“Together, we’ll run the distance to improve education, healthcare, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos,” Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Nichol Whiteman said.
“While we would love to connect in our traditional style, LADF will not waver as we improve health and education outcomes for youth who simply need a chance. With the incredible support of our partners Biofreeze and UCLA Health, runners across the city will push themselves to healthy limits to help amplify our mission.”
The run is open to all ages, all levels and all athletic abilities. Registration, along with all virtual race details, is available online at Dodgers.com/Run.
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