Will and Cara Smith through their Catching Hope Foundation have partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to beautify learning spaces and improve reading proficiency and interest among young Angelenos.
The Smiths joined students at Manhattan Place Elementary in Los Angeles to launch the 2025 LA Reads program and Dodgers Reading Champions challenge, as well as unveil the second of three World Series Legacy projects.
[BUY HERE: Dodgers World Series champions bobbleheads]
“We enjoy coming to schools, seeing the kids’ faces and reading. Promoting reading. We believe you can learn so much from books, and reading should be fun,” Will Smith said.
“It shouldn’t be considered homework. It shouldn’t be considered something that they have to do, it should be something they want to do. So we’re trying to promote the enjoyment of reading.”
Smith has served as an ambassador of the LA Reads program for the last two seasons. He and Cara will host Manhattan Place Elementary at their Catching Hope Community Clinic at Dodger Stadium in May.
The Catching Hope Foundation is committed to empowering students with essential skills for leadership and self-sufficiency through community engagement initiatives. Their programs focus on promoting literacy, community building, and physical fitness, providing children with the tools they need to achieve success in all aspects of life.
“Literacy Corner is super special because it gives kids a chance if they need a break to leave the classroom, they can come out here and read, get some fresh air. And then they’re able to transition back into the classroom and their studies,” Cara Smith said.
“Also, this year with our partnership, this is how we start it. We come to the school, we love to do the reading program, and as the year goes on, we’re going to invite the kids out to our community clinic.
“They will be able to experience Dodger Stadium get to go on the field, meet some players and also get an opportunity to do activities with math, science and baseball. Hopefully, at the end of the year we’ll be able to unveil a super special gift to them.”
Will Smith’s foundation auctioning World Series ball
Will Smith partnered with former teammate Walker Buehler to auction the final out ball from the team’s World Series win against the New York Yankees.
The auction is a partnership between the Catching Hope Foundation and Buehler Family Foundation, which was created by Walker and McKenzie Buehler. The Smiths and Buehlers are uniting to support those affected by the Southern California wildfires.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
