Clayton Kershaw, his wife Ellen, and their four children were on hand at The Dream Center over the weekend for the 10th annual Kershaw’s Challenge Back to School Bash.
They helped distribute 2,500 backpacks filled with supplies to local students and families. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation was a signature partner of the event for a seventh year.
“We want every kid to be excited about the first day of school,” Clayton said. “This is just a great way to start it off. I remember as a kid how much I loved getting school supplies, and going to get your markers, Crayons and all that stuff.
“For these kids to be able to get that stuff, be excited about it and see all these people who are really invested in their education, I hope that helps them start school on the right note.”
In addition to the event evolving as it’s been held each year, what also has resonated with the Kershaws is involvement by their children.
“Now that our older kids are really getting into it, being helpful with Ellen pack all the backpacks, they’re seeing it come full circle. To see them have that purpose is really nice too,” Kershaw said.
Families visiting The Dream Center got to also experience a petting zoo, ferris wheel and water slide. UCLA Health also had volunteers on hand to provide dental, nursing and other healthcare services.
The Back to School Bash was held two days after the 2023 Ping Ping 4 Purpose event at Dodger Stadium, which supported 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.
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation & Kershaw’s Challenge partnership
Along with the Back to School Bash, the Dodgers’ foundation and Kershaw’s Challenge have partnered together on other initiatives for several years.
“Clayton and Ellen are just embedded in philanthropy. What they do is give back, so not surprised or shocked,” Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman said.
“It’s just really, really special. We do a number of things with them. They built several Dodgers Dreamfields with us throughout the Los Angeles community that are Kershaw’s Challenge fields, so to me this is a continuation and another display of the love and support they have for the Los Angeles community.”
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