With the local community heavily impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several Los Angeles Dodgers teammates have sprung into action by providing for those in need through The Dream Center.
Initial efforts were made by Justin and Kourtney Turner, and Clayton and Ellen Kershaw. Both couples regularly work with The Dream Center, and the nonprofit organization is one of this year’s beneficiaries for Kershaw’s Challenge.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Kershaw’s Challenge is raising funds for two weeks — through April 28 — to support The Dream Center and Behind Every Door (Dallas). The Kershaws are matching donations during that time, and will then provide each of the beneficiaries with funding.
Every $50 donation made comes with an entry to participate in a Zoom call with Kershaw. He memorably was looped into one organized by ESPN employees, though unknowingly and only due to accepting an invitation from former teammate Brandon McCarthy.
Five winners will be selected Wednesday, April 28, for a one-on-one Zoom chat with Kershaw. Furthermore, the first 10 donors to pledge $5,000 to the campaign will automatically be scheduled for a 10-minute call with the longtime Dodgers ace.
In addition to the Kershaws and Turners, Max and Kellie Muncy, Chris Taylor, Corey Seager and his fiancé Madisyn, have also purchased food from local restaurants that is then delivered to The Dream Center for their daily meal program.
“We thought we would only last three days, but because of the generosity of people, we’re 26 days in and we feel like we’re just kind of walking on water as far as the miracles that are happening to keep this thing going,” Dream Center founder Matthew Barnett told DodgerBlue.com last week.
“Justin Turner, Clayton Kershaw and all the Dodgers really, from Day 1 they stepped in and said, ‘We’ve got to make something happen. We know the kids are going to be in need. This is one of the only food banks within three miles of this area. We have got to step up and help them meet their needs during this time with the meals they are missing with school.’
“So Justin, Clayton and the whole team started employing companies, keeping jobs and at the same time feeding thousands of people. It’s like a double victory. My heart is so overwhelmed with so much disbelief that all this is happening.
“This is day 26 of consecutive feeding; 11 hours, seven days a week. The reason we do it 11 hours (per day) is to give people a safe place to come in, not feel rushed or like they have to wait in lines. This has been an unbelievable experience.”
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