Joining forces with the nationwide nonprofit Baby2Baby, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation welcomed 600 kids to Dodger Stadium for their yearly holiday distribution event. High-need students from Los Angeles schools receive warm clothing, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, winter coats, toys, Dodgers gear, and more.
The wife of Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts, Brianna Betts, and recently re-signed Joe Kelly attended the event to give their time and interact with the children.
Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof said, “The holidays are always a challenging time of year for the families we serve, and their circumstances have become even more dire with rising costs and inflation.” “Buying extra food or diapers for their babies is an impossible decision for parents living paycheck to paycheck, and giving their kids anything extra during the holidays is not an option.
“We are ecstatic to be back at Dodger Stadium for this incredible occasion and provide students with the necessary tools to succeed as well as the wonderful holiday experience they deserve.”
The event was presented for the second year in a row by Nordstrom and FRAME. Thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the LADF, the children in attendance were given an incredible holiday experience that included a toy shop, a visit from Santa, snow for sledding, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run the bases on the field at Dodger Stadium.
LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman stated, “We are so proud to be here at Dodger Stadium today, partnering with Baby2Baby and our Dodger’s community relations partners.” “This year, 600 students from KIPP Charter Schools and Para Los Ninos will join us for an exciting day of activities while receiving everything they need to have a better holiday season. We’re thrilled that we get to do this annually at Dodger Stadium, which is our own version of Disneyland, with such wonderful partners.
Over the past 12 years, Baby2Baby has provided over 375 million basic necessities, such as clothing, formula, and diapers, to underprivileged families. Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Ali Wong, Lori Harvey, Ellen Pompeo, Molly Sims, Rachel Zoe, Emma Grede, Chriselle Lim, Monique Lhuillier, and countless others are among the nonprofit’s ambassadors and supporters. They have donated their time to assist in the distribution of these essential supplies and toys in an effort to bring much-needed holiday cheer to children.
In addition to serving one million children in all 50 states, Baby2Baby is commemorating a historic year of impact that includes distributing 600,000 essential items in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Maui, raising $12 million for the organization at their annual gala in November, and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 2023 most influential companies.
“Baby2Baby has proven to be an exceptional partner for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past two years,” McCowan stated.
Joe Kelly debuts his new jersey number during a Dodgers holiday gathering.
Shohei Ohtani, who wears No. 17, was signed, so Kelly had to find a new number this offseason. The seasoned reliever ultimately chose No. 99 because he thought it fit his mood, much like “Wild Thing” from the Major League film.
When they first met, Kelly said Ohtani thanked him for giving up his number and joked that he had a list of things the new Dodger superstar could buy him in exchange.