Over $52,000 Fundraised during 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament

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April 30, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - In the heart of April, Hollywood Park Casino was abuzz with the spirited energy of the 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament: All in for the Kids. With over 60 avid participants and spectators, the event unfolded as a remarkable showcase of poker skill, all rallying behind a noble cause - funding vital youth programs. The generosity displayed transcended the gaming tables, as we collectively fundraised over $52,000 throughout the evening.


"Each hand played at our tournament is a hand dealt towards brighter futures for the young people we serve," said Patrick Mahoney, CEO & President of BGCMLA. "Through the generous support of our participants, sponsors, and community members, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most."


Thank you to everyone that played, donated, and supported us from afar! A round of applause is due to our Poker Tournament champions: Jasmine Ali, Jonnie Kedj, and Mark Silverman, who clinched victory amidst stiff competition. Each victor was given the choice of our prizes - the SpeedVegas Package, LA Rams Package, or LA Dodgers Package.


We are also so grateful to our incredible volunteers, Daria HallLuke Schlake, and Damien Tuffereau! Their flexibility, quick thinking, and organization made our event a streamlined success.


Together, we pulled off an fruitful event that shows just how dedicated our community is to supporting and empowering the next generation.

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors!

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors!



For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Kimberly Washington

VP of Resource Development & Marketing

kimberly.washington@bgcmla.org


About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA):

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) was formed in 2015 with a deep history of impact across the metro Los Angeles area. In 2023, two of the county’s most enduring clubs— BGCMLA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice – joined together to deepen our collective impact. As community staples since the sixties, BGCMLA now consists of seven locations, uplifting and servicing communities such as Challengers in South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Watts-Willowbrook, and Venice, as well as school sites. Staffed by caring and committed professional adult mentors, the clubs offer proven programs to bolster academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit our website at www.bgcmla.org.


April 3, 2025
Join us on April 24th, a night of thrilling poker supporting vital youth programs at BGCMLA. Your participation helps provide safe spaces and impactful afterschool and summer activities for local kids and teens.
March 12, 2025
BGCMLA youth rocked Coke Studio at L.A. LIVE in partnership with Coca-Cola! Our 10-week program gave them hands-on experience in music production, songwriting, performance & more, culminating in their original song "Everything Ghana Be OK."
February 28, 2025
The Lakers Youth Foundation renovated the gymnasium at the Venice Boys and Girls Club, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. This renovation, part of the foundation's initiative to provide safe and quality spaces for youth, offers a revitalized space for kids to play, learn, and develop skills. The project underscores the foundation's commitment to empowering young people through sports and creating positive community impact.
Leylah Fernandez laughing with Club members from on a tennis court
February 26, 2025
Leylah Fernandez hosted a youth tennis clinic at the Challengers Club, offering training and inspiration to local kids.
February 7, 2025
11th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles's Youth of the Year 2025 Logo
February 3, 2025
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 7, 2025 - At the Watts/Willowbrook Club, we celebrated five exceptional Club members! Hear their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and finding their place at with us at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). This year we are proud to announce Kaydence as our 2025 BGCMLA Youth of the Year ! All participants receive a stipend for their hard work and commitment to this premier teen recognition program. A special congratulations to this year's remarkable speakers:
January 9, 2025
Our Clubs are open! We're accepting all youth ages 6 -18, regardless of current membership.
September 25, 2024
September 16, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - On Saturday, October 26th, we hosted the DreamBuilders Gala at the stunning Audrey Irmas Pavilion. This special event was dedicated to honoring the incredible achievements of our youth and the generous supporters who made it all possible. What Happened: Inspiring Performances: We enjoyed captivating performances by our talented youth, showcasing their skills and passions. Star-Studded Emcee: Darren M. Haynes, a renowned sports anchor/reporter from KCBS/KCAL, served as our dynamic emcee for the evening. Generous Giving: We joined together to raise funds to support our programs and provide life-changing opportunities for the youth of Metro Los Angeles. Exclusive Experiences: We enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, and a vibrant afterparty.  Honoring Our Partners: We're thrilled to recognize the Ralph M Parsons Foundation and Sony Music Publishing for their invaluable contributions to our mission.
September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - In a heartwarming display of community engagement, USC Football players recently hosted a special tour of their state-of-the-art facilities for young members of the Challengers Club from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. The event, organized through the NIL initiative House of Victory , provided a unique opportunity for these aspiring athletes to experience the world of collegiate sports firsthand. "Seeing the practice field and fully equipped fitness gym was eye-opening," said Karen Quiroz, Director of Athletics and Health at the Challengers Clubhouse. "These resources are not available at every school, and it's inspiring for our kids to see what's possible." The Challengers Clubhouse, a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA, has been serving underprivileged youth in the community since 1968. By providing access to educational programs, sports activities, and mentorship opportunities, the club aims to empower young people to reach their full potential. "For kids who haven't seen what college can be like, it's good for them to get this experience at one of the best universities," said Eric Gentry, a senior linebacker and House of Victory student-athlete. "It's about more than just football; it's about inspiring the next generation." The USC football players were more than happy to share their experiences and answer questions from the young visitors. From discussing their training routines to offering advice on balancing academics and athletics, the players served as positive role models. "This tour was a dream come true for our kids," said Quiroz. "Interacting with the USC football players was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire them to strive for greatness." As Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA continues to provide essential services to the youth of Los Angeles, partnerships with organizations like House of Victory are crucial in helping young people reach their full potential. By providing opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and exposure to new experiences, these collaborations are laying the foundation for a brighter future. For more information about events like this one, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
July 30, 2024
Los Angeles, CA - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) as part of their Sports 4 Life program. This prestigious grant will support our efforts to provide sports and physical activity opportunities for young girls in our community. The Sports 4 Life program aims to empower Black, African-American, Hispanic, and Native American girls through sports. By participating in these programs, girls can develop essential skills such as perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, which will benefit them both on and off the field. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Through our sports programs, we strive to inspire girls to reach their full potential and become confident, successful individuals. For more information, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
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