Just over two weeks removed from etching his name among the pitchers in MLB history with 3,000 career strikeouts, Clayton Kershaw was on hand at The Dream Center to help distribute backpacks to local children in need.
Kershaw was accompanied by his wife, Ellen, and their children, for the 12th annual Back to School Bash event in partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.
Attendees received backpacks that were filled with school supplies and got to enjoy carnival games, water slides, health screenings and more services, all at no cost. The community event saw more than 3,000 backpacks handed out.
The Dream Center focuses on being a resource for those affected by homelessness, hunger and the lack of education, through residential and community outreach programs.
This year’s Back to School Bash additionally aimed to provide assistance for those who were impacted by the Southern California wildfires.
Kershaw’s challenge annually works with multiple beneficiaries, including in Dallas and worldwide, and has raised $23 million since being founded in 2011.
With Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper and Chance each in an age range of having formidable memories, they not only have been able to witness and absorb their father’s success on the mound, but have maintained a regular presence and participation at Kershaw’s Challenge events.
“I think they’re starting to understand, especially my older two, that we’ve been given a lot and we’re called to do something with it,” Kershaw recently told DodgerBlue.com.
“Kershaw’s Challenge is our outlet for that. They’re getting to see the family business. It’s definitely a great thing whenever kids can be involved in giving back too.”
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