In addition to becoming an All-Star and clubhouse leader while spending nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Justin Turner became a pillar in the community along with his wife Kourtney.
They founded the Justin Turner Foundation in 2016 with a mission to support homeless veterans, children (and their families) battling life-altering illnesses and diseases, and various youth baseball organizations. The Turners work closely with the Dream Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to provide for those in need.
Although Turner signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox, the couple will continue with their charitable work in Los Angeles.
During an appearance on “High Heat,” Turner discussed with Alanna Rizzo how his foundation’s focus in Southern California isn’t changing, via MLB Network:
“I’m from Los Angeles and I grew up there, so just because I’m putting on a new uniform doesn’t mean I’m going to forget about it, or stop doing work, or stop putting on events and helping people in need. We still have our golf tournament in early February and we’ll still be involved with the Dream Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
“That’s not going to stop. We might have to tweak a few things during the season. I know Kourt absolutely loved doing the 5K, so we’re going to have to figure out what that’s going to look like; whether we go back to virtual or not. We’re still going to be engrained in the community in Los Angeles and find ways to get involved in Boston as well.”
The seventh annual Justin Turner Golf Classic is scheduled to be held at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California on Monday, February 6. The event is sold out but various sponsorship opportunities remain available for purchase.
Turner was recognized for his work in the community by being named the recipient of the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, which he has been nominated for five times.
The award is presented annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Justin Turner Day celebration
In recognition of Justin Turner Day on January 22, the foundation has planned an event to give back at the Dream Center. The day includes a mobile blood drive to benefit CHLA and donations for the Justin and Kourtney Food Bank are being accepted.
Fans interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP.
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