The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted their third annual birthday party for youth at the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles and Hope Gardens in Sylmar in partnership with local non-profit Worthy of Love. Josiah Gray and Tony Gonsolin were part of the hour-long virtual event.
If not for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Dodgers and Worthy of Love would have planned an in-person event similar to last year’s party at Dodger Stadium that was attended by Matt Beaty and Alex Verdugo.
Gray and Gonsolin participated in games and helped sign happy birthday to the children. The party also included virtual visits from television mascots, including two from “Paw Patrol,” and highlighted arts projects, a dance off and blue science experiment.
The Dodgers supplied Dodger Dogs, and 400 meals were provided by California Pizza Kitchen.
“Every kid deserves to have a special birthday celebration and seeing the unbridled joy on the faces of these kids makes this party a highlight each year,” Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez said.
“The work of Worthy of Love is so important because every kid and every birthday is worth celebrating, especially during these challenging times, and we thank our partner California Pizza Kitchen for helping to make this such a memorable and festive occasion.”
Worthy of Love executive director Mary Davis added: “The Los Angeles Dodgers are making birthday wishes come true yet again for families experiencing homelessness. They are World Champions not only for being a phenomenal baseball team, but for their love and servitude to our community.
“Our third Annual Worthy of Love Dodger Birthday Party will not be at the stadium this year, but the spirit of hope, worthiness and resiliency will be felt throughout Skid Row and all over Los Angeles. Even though we are apart our hearts bleed blue together.”
The night’s programming also included Matthew Bennett receiving $2,000 as the first ever recipient of the Tommy Lasorda “You Gotta Believe” Award. Bennett was selected for the same passion, purpose and perseverance Lasorda lived with.
Dodgers FanFest, Love L.A. Community Tour effectively cancelled
Because of restrictions still in place, the Dodgers were not able to hold their annual FanFest or Love L.A. Community Tour, which both are typically held during January.
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