Spreading Love in L.A.: Dodgers’ Community Tour Starts Soon

By: Angela Redding | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Beat magazine | January 26, 2024
Photos: L.A. Dodgers Media & Diana Castro/Hollywood Beat magazine

^{Current and former Dodgers players participate in the 2023 Dodgers Love LA Community Tour at Whitter High School Pep Rally in Whitter, CA}

Calling all Dodgers fans and community enthusiasts! Brace yourselves for an incredible week of giving back as the Los Angeles Dodgers kick off their annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour presented by Bank of America. Let’s come together and make a positive impact!

The Dodgers are Passionate About Spreading the Team’s Spirit Throughout the Entire City

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the greater Los Angeles area with the 2024 tour! Over the course of five action-packed days, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy 11 incredible experiences. What makes this tour even more special is the involvement of current and former Dodger players, front office staff, and dedicated Bank of America volunteers. The Dodgers are passionate about spreading the team’s spirit throughout the entire city, and this tour is a wonderful tribute to the diverse cultural tapestry that makes Los Angeles so unique.

“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Bank of America and launch the 2024 Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour, the kickoff of the Dodgers annual community programming,” said Kristin McCowan, Vice President, Government & Community Affairs. “This year, we are producing one dozen impactful events all intended to provide memorable experiences that showcase the diversity and uniqueness of L.A., to the greatest fans in the world. The tour is a time for celebration: The season is upon us, and the Dodgers remain committed to you, on and off the field.”

The Dodgers L.A. Community Tour WeeK kicks Off with Unwavering Determination and Laser-Like Focus

To start off the week, the Dodgers will be hosting their annual Employee Day of Service, which will focus on addressing the issue of food insecurity. This event will bring together staff members from the Dodger front office, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), and volunteers from Bank of America. The day will be spent at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in the City of Industry, where the staff will not only have the opportunity to tour the facility but also work collaboratively to assemble food packages for over 29,000 individuals in need within the Angeleno community.

In parallel, Bank of America volunteers will be lending their support at the Downtown Women’s Center. Their main task will be to assist in the preparation of both lunch and dinner for the women who are being served by the center’s kitchen. This simultaneous effort by the Dodgers and Bank of America showcases their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those facing food insecurity and homelessness in Los Angeles.

A Preview of the Week Ahead*

*Please note that not all events are open to the public.

Monday, January 29

Event #1

Employee Day of Service
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
City of Industry, CA 90601

Event #2

Downtown Women’s Center Volunteer Event
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Downtown Women’s Center
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tuesday, January 30

Tuesday morning begins with an LA Reads event at Gabriella Charter School, featuring Dodger pitcher Landon Knack reading one of his favorite children’s books. LA Reads is a joint literacy program with LADF, aiming to motivate youth to develop a lifelong love of reading through engaging programs and educational resources, making reading enjoyable for everyone.

The afternoon will usher in Dodger legend and current broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela to Homeboy Industries, a non-profit gang rehabilitation organization that offers hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals, empowering them to transform their lives and become valuable members of our community. Valenzuela will enthusiastically assist in preparing tacos and serving participants of Homeboy Industries at Home Girl Café, while everyone relishes a lively performance from a local mariachi group.

Tuesday’s festivities will culminate in the inspiring Worthy of Love Birthday Bash at Dodger Stadium, an event where 500 homeless youth and their families will joyously celebrate their birthdays alongside Dodger players Landon Knack, Nick Frasso, and dedicated Bank of America volunteers. Worthy of Love, a remarkable non-profit organization, orchestrates unforgettable birthday parties and experiences for children facing homelessness.

Event #3

LA Reads with Landon Knack
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: Gabriella Charter School
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Event #4

Taco Tuesday with Fernando Valenzuela at Homeboy Industries
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Homeboy Industries
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Event #5

Worthy of Love Birthday Bash
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Wednesday, January 31

Event #6

Wednesday is set to kick off with a surge of excitement as Dodger pitcher Joe Kelly makes a special trip to his alma mater, Corona High School, to inspire and uplift the students during a thrilling pep rally. Following this spirited event, he will bring his infectious energy to a local Jack in the Box, spreading joy and cheer to everyone he meets. Simultaneously, Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, and Michael Grove will be lighting up the atmosphere at a Jack in the Box in Northridge, joyfully taking orders, serving delicious tacos, and warmly welcoming customers at both the counter and the lively drive-thru. Get ready for an electrifying day brimming with passion and enthusiasm!

Corona High School Pep Rally with Joe Kelly
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Corona High School
Corona, CA 92882

Event #7

Surprise & Delight – Jack in the Box with Joe Kelly
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Jack in the Box 2458 S Vineyard Ave
Ontario, CA 91761

Event #8

Surprise & Delight – Jack in the Box with Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and Michael Grove
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Jack in the Box 11216 Tampa Ave
Northridge, CA 91326

Thursday, February 1

Event #9

On Thursday morning, Dodger star Mookie Betts will be hosting an inspiring financial literacy workshop at Dodger Stadium. It’s an exciting opportunity for students from Panorama and Fremont High Schools to gain valuable knowledge, alongside the esteemed presence of LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

Financial Literacy Workshop with Mookie Betts
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Event #10

Closing out Thursday with a heartwarming event! Dodger pitcher Tony Gonsolin and catcher Hunter Feduccia will be making a special visit to the North Central Animal Services Center to meet and greet those who are eager to give adorable pets a forever home. From 3 to 4 p.m., every adoption will come with a delightful bonus – a precious family photo with Gonsolin and Feduccia, capturing the joy of welcoming a new furry member into your home.

Animal Shelter visit with Tony Gonsolin & Hunter Feduccia
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: North Central Animal Services Center
3201 Lacey Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Friday, February 2

Event #11

The week reaches its peak on Friday with an unforgettable visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. This special day will bring together several Dodger players, such as Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, James Outman, Ryan Yarbrough, and Tyler Glasnow, who will accompany 30 LAUSD students experiencing homelessness. Together, they will embark on an exciting journey, making cherished memories while enjoying the theme park’s thrilling rides and attractions, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and Jurassic World.

Universal Studios Hollywood with students from Belmont High School & Dodger players
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal City, CA 91608

Bank of America Helps Bring the Dodgers to Neighborhoods Around the City

“Helping to bring the beloved Dodgers to neighborhoods across the Southland with the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour is one of Bank of America’s favorite opportunities to give back while inspiring others to do the same,” said Raul A. Anaya, president, Bank of America Los Angeles. “From preparing meals for those in need, to helping kids gain basic financial education, volunteering side by side with Dodger players, alumni, and staff for this exciting, impactful week is a great tribute to the things that make L.A. so unique.”