April 16, 2015 Over $2,000,000.00 was raised for charity at The Inagural Dodgers Blue Diamond Gala. The Jackie Robinson foundation raised money along with the Los Angeles Dodger foundation. Their goal is to support education, literacy, and sports for families that are in need in the Los Angeles area.
The Blue Diamond gala is the foundations first event for 2015. Many great things have been happening since new ownership took over. Magic Johnson is on the board of directors at the foundation and an owner. Last year the foundation raised $1,000,000.00 for charity.
Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher, Dennis Powell, with his wife
Celebrities in attendance included Rachel Robinson, widow of baseball great Jackie Robinson. Many Dodger players from today and the past were in attendance.
Manny Motta and his wife Margarita spoke about the importance of education for children. “Education is number one!” Manny said. Manny also spoke about Yasiel Puig. “Its exciting to see what Puig has accomplished. He just keeps getting better and better.”
Tommy Davis on the blue carpet
Another celebrity that walked the blue carpet was Alex Anfanger. He is one of the creators of Big Time in Hollywood on Comedy Central. The show is creating a lot of buzz. The Comedy Central channel brings such a high level of comedy to television. Alex said he was at the event as a huge Dodgers fan. When asked about his thoughts on education he said, “Education is important!”
Darryl Thomas started for the Dodgers in 1980
Tommy Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers stopped by and had so many positive things to say about the Dodgers. He spoke of the foundation supporting literacy programs in the city and told some great stories about signing up with the Dodgers many years ago.
Dennis Powell, a former Dodger pitcher stopped by with his wife to take some photos. These older baseball celebrities have such a positive outlook on life. It was a lot of fun to be around them and hear what they have to say.
DeMira Pierre with Manny Mota and his wife Margarita on the blue carpet
Darryl Thomas was an opening day pitcher in 1980. He went on to play every position on the field except pitching. He played for the Dodgers for 15 years and had many great things to say about them. Darryl went on to reflect on Jackie Robinson. How Jackie had opened doors for many black ball players. Darryl said that Jackie was well structured for the job. His experience in the military helped him deal with racism in baseball. Darryl said that baseball takes a lot of dedication.
Dining on the field for the Blue Diamond Gala
Finally, Justin Hartley walked the blue carpet with his wife. Justin said the silent auction is great way to raise money for kids. Originally from Chicago, Justin is a long time Dodger fan and supporter. He said the new ownership of the stadium is amazing.
It was such an honor to meet these legends of Dodger baseball. It was a lot of fun to be down on the baseball field. It was also great that so much money was raised for inner city youth who will benefit from the programs that this night has funded.
