With the Los Angeles Dodgers beginning a six-game homestand, Clayton Kershaw and Ellen Kershaw are heading into a busy stretch of days with two signature events for their Kershaw’s Challenge foundation.
First is the ninth annual Back to School Bash at the Los Angeles Dream Center, which sits just a couple miles from Dodger Stadium. The Dream Center is a beneficiary of Kershaw’s Challenge, and Saturday’s event will provide school supplies and day of fun for the local community at no cost.
Backpacks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and while supplies last. A child must be present in order to receive a backpack, but no registration is required.
Families will also be treated to a water slide, petting zoo, batting cages and more activities.
After needing to pivot to a drive-thru event that the Kershaw family could only participate in virtually because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, last year’s Back to School Bash brought a refreshing sense of normalcy.
Justin Turner, who along with his wife Kourtney works closely with The Dream Center as well through their Justin Turner Foundation, has regularly been on hand to support the Kershaws and assist with the distribution of backpacks.
“I think the exciting part of the kids is knowing that they’re going to get to back to in-person learning again,” Turner told DodgerBlue.com at the 2021 event. “Get back in the classroom, get back to hanging out with their friends.
“To be able to be here, support Clayton and Ellen, Kershaw’s Challenge, and pass out these backpacks is amazing. You see the excitement, and it’s really cool this year with all the different colored backpacks. Kids get to choose, and that’s really cool, too.”
Kershaw’s Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose
After a two-year hiatus, the eighth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event at Dodger Stadium returns on Monday night. Rob Lowe is serving as host, and proceeds will benefit Shoes That Fit, The Dream Center, Arise Africa, Both Ends Believing, and International Justice Mission.
Several Dodgers teammates and celebrities are scheduled to be in attendance.
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