With the calendar having turned to February, multiple events remained impacted by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including two involving the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The first was the team’s annual FanFest event. It traditionally is held at Dodger Stadium late in January, and it gives Dodgers fans an opportunity to receive autographs, pose for photographs with players, participate in VIP experiences and more.
Of course, given social distance guidelines and restrictions in place because of the pandemic, it was essentially a given Dodgers FanFest would not be held this year. The signature event then gives way to the annual Justin Turner Golf Classic.
The inaugural golf tournament to support the Justin Turner Foundation and its beneficiaries was held at Brookside Golf Club, and moved to Sherwood Country Club for each of the past four years.
During a recent “Holding Kourt Podcast” episode, Kourtney Turner explained there is still a commitment to hold the annual Justin Turner Golf Classic:
“Obviously with everything going on, especially in L.A., we just had to make that decision. It’s not a difficult decision, because it makes sense. But it’s difficult to not be able to put on this event when we want to do it. But I think it’s going to be more of postponed than cancelled. I think it’s more important just finding that safer time to be able to do it. … To be able to do it without our dinner reception and auction and the way we want to do it and have it become a shell of what the event normally is, it’s just sad. You want to do it right, so obviously looking to pivot to something while we’re going through this to be able to raise money safely for the causes that are important to us.”
Justin Turner expressed a similar sentiment, noting the importance of finding a time to hold the event in order to support their foundation’s beneficiaries:
“I think it just makes the most sense to not cancel it, but postpone it. We’re going to push it back to when it’s a safer time. Obviously that’s our biggest event and it’s really an awesome event. It’s evolved so much over the years and it’s really something if you get a chance to be part of it, it’s really cool. Guys love coming out and participating. Playing some golf and the dinner at night is incredible with casinos, great food and whatnot. It just makes sense to delay it. And hopefully we can think of some creative ways to raise money. I think the hardest part about delaying it is we raise money and a lot of it goes to our food bank, COVID relief and helping people in need in the city of Los Angeles.”
Last year the Turners were joined by Austin Barnes, Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Chase Utley, among several others.
Justin Turner Foundation pivoted when faced by challenges
Unable to carry out their usual in-person visits with children in local hospitals and at The Dream Center, the Turners partnered with local restaurants last year to help provide free meals to the community.
The Dream Center celebrated and recognized the couple’s endless generosity by unveiling the Justin and Kourtney Turner Food Bank.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
