There was an outpouring of support for Ellen and Clayton Kershaw as they hosted the seventh annual Kershaw’s Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose at Dodger Stadium. Bryan Cranston returned as emcee of the event, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Brad Paisley received the Impact Award.
Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson was the inaugural recipient in 2017, while Camila and Matthew McConaughey were honored last year for work through their Just Keep Livin’ Foundation. Among other philanthropic initiatives, the Paisleys opened The Store last October for those in need.
The Store, located in Nashville, provides fresh and nonperishable groceries to individuals and families for one year at no cost. “What they’re doing with their nonprofit is truly an incredible thing,” Clayton said before presenting the couple with the Impact Award.
“It’s such an incredible idea, for people who might not be able to have a grocery shopping experience with their kids and families. We’re so happy and proud to get to present this award to Brad and Kim.”
The Paisleys were humbled by the recognition and were among the many to heap praise on the Kershaw couple and their continued charitable work.
“When I say that this couple behind us are our inspiration on how you can be the best married couple in the world, I’m not exaggerating,” Brad said. “These are people that spend every ounce of effort and heart and money that they can spare to make the world a better place. I’m honored you guys would even think of us.”
More than $800,000 was raised, with funds benefitting the Dream Center, Just Keep Livin’ Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, International Justice Mission, Both Ends Believing, and Arise Africa.
“Words cannot express enough gratitude to everyone that made our seventh Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose such an incredible winning night,” Ellen and Clayton said.
“There is life-changing impact happening for kids and communities in need all around the world, and we believe there are bigger things happening and that each of us can make a difference. Thank you to all our teammates, friends, family, sponsors and partners who have joined us to help continue this mission.”
Along with the overwhelming success of Kershaw’s Challenge raising support for its beneficiaries, the night also included the always-competitive and entertaining ping pong tournament.
Kershaw, who has a say in setting the duos, was partnered with Cody Bellinger, and that put added pressure on the Dodgers’ National League MVP candidate. “I’m going to stretch my legs a little bit,” Bellinger told DodgerBlue.com.
“I know there’s some good ping pong players out here that take it pretty seriously, so hopefully we can go beat those guys.”
Bellinger and Kershaw managed to accomplish exactly that, ripping their way through the tournament before gutting out a challenging final match.
