After a virtual event and twice organizing a gathering at Topgolf in Virginia Beach, Chris Taylor brought his CT3 Foundation’s “Driving For Hope” to Southern California last week.
Chris and Mary Taylor rented out Topgolf El Segundo to host a charity event with proceeds benefitting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
“I’m very excited to bring the first one here to L.A. in front of Dodgers fans. Hopefully it’s a great night and we can raise a lot of money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” Chris Taylor said from the red carpet.
George Lopez served as the emcee, accompanied by DJ Severe providing music throughout the night, and Jaime Jarrín, Fernando Valenzuela, Gavin Lux, Freddie Freeman and Tony Gonsolin along with members of the Los Angeles Dodgers front office on hand to participate. Brett Young treated attendees to a private concert to conclude the night.
“It means a lot to me. I think it speaks to our community and the type of teammates I have, the people they are,” Taylor said. “To take time out of their offseason to come out and support, not just for me but for CHLA, it’s big for all of us. I think we’re really going to make a difference.”
Taylor was moved to establish the CT3 Foundation due to being personally affected by osteosarcoma when Kyle Profilet, a childhood friend, lost a two-and-a-half year battle with to bone cancer in 2019.
“We spent countless nights in the batting cage, constantly pushing each other to get better. Losing Kyle was very hard on me and my friends,” Taylor said to the crowd.
“It felt like the perfect way to honor his name by starting the CT3 Foundation and trying to help as many sick kids as I could. Unfortunately, Kyle’s story did not have a happy ending, but that doesn’t mean the kids we’re helping at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and all around the country can’t have a happy ending.”
Mary Taylor added: “It’s really important that we all focus on why we’re here. Chris and I had the opportunity to visit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for the first time in-person a few days ago, and it was such a great time. It really is so much fun.
“It’s just crazy how you go in there and every time you leave a hospital of kids, you’re so energized and inspired. It’s amazing how kids are going through such challenging times can give so much. I think that’s what we should focus on, is all the kids we’re helping with being here. I’m really grateful all you guys are here.”
Freddie Freeman proud to support Chris Taylor’s foundation
Teammates attending events during the offseason can at times prove challenging due to players having different schedules and family obligations, but Freeman made it clear attending to support Taylor and his cause to provide for children in need was an easy decision.
“Chris Taylor and children, it’s a pretty good combo to come out and support,” Freeman said. “I did a lot of work with children’s healthcare in Atlanta when I was there. Anything to do with children, I’m going to be here.
“Once Chris asked me to come, I said, ‘Yes, of course.’ I have three kids. Unfortunately some kids are already there right now (needing assistance), and our kids could be there one day. So I’ve got to come out and support to help raise as much money as possible.”
Freeman was accompanied by his son Charlie, who took swings at hitting Topgolf targets while being cheered on by his father and Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried.
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