Kershaw’s Challenge held their sixth annual Back to School Bash at The Dream Center, with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) serving as the presenting sponsor for the event. The day also included the dedication of a new children’s park.
Although much of the credit has been given to Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, who were joined by Kourtney and Justin Turner, as well as Chris Taylor, the three-time Cy Young Award winner deflected praise to all involved.
“The Dream Center is an amazing place. For us to get to be here, get to be a part of that is a really special thing,” Kershaw told DodgerBlue.com.
“Kershaw’s Challenge and all the donors that were able to be a huge part of this, it’s not about Ellen and I at all. It’s about the donors of Kershaw’s Challenge, and The Dream Center. It’s a great place and great opportunity for us to be part of in L.A. How many people they serve, it’s a really cool thing.”
Before assisting with the distribution of 2,500 backpacks that had been stuffed with necessary school supplies, the Kershaws were on hand for the official ribbon cutting of their sponsored park.
The site was converted into a playground that is complete with slides, a jungle gym and basketball court area. It fills a need for young children who are with families, both present and future, that rely on The Dream Center while working to get their feet back under them.
“This is awesome,” Clayton said as he arrived and got his first look.
After the ribbon cutting and playing with son, Charley, the Kershaws went to take their place for backpack distributions. They were accompanied by the Turners and Taylor, much to the delight of families as they passed through.
“As a kid I realized how special that was for me to get to go to CVS or wherever it was and pick out school supplies,” Kershaw said of the event. “Honestly, it was maybe something I took for granted.
“So for these kids that might not have the opportunity to get a new backpack or school supplies, this is a really special thing.”
After dedicating the park, @ClaytonKersh22, @court_with_a_K, @redturn2 and Chris Taylor gave out backpacks to local children on behalf of @KershsChallenge and presenting sponsor @DodgersFdn. pic.twitter.com/IjBxJlb1E6
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) August 3, 2019
Taylor was a newcomer to the event, but the Turners, who regularly work hand-in-hand with The Dream Center on behalf of initiatives for the Justin Turner Foundation, have long been participants in the backpack giveaway.
“To be out here to support them, support The Dream Center, and at the same time make an impact on the community and provide these young kids with school supplies, it’s something I think a lot of people take for granted,” Turner said.
“Having new backpacks, new notebooks, new pens. But a lot of kids don’t have that opportunity. To be able to provide them with that today and get them ready to head back into the new school year, is a good day for everyone.”
In addition to school supplies, the Back to School Bash provided children with an opportunity to undergo medical exams, receive a haircut, participate in STEM activities and more.
