Poker Players Raise Over $45k for Local Youth

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) hosted their 13th Annual Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, June 24th at the Motoring Club Los Angeles. The event, which featured a no-limit Texas hold'em tournament, raised over $45,000 for BGCMLA's youth development programs.


Over 60 poker players and spectators participated in the tournament, which was won by Norbi N., Leslie B., and Michelle S. The winners each chose a prize from a selection of donated items, including a driving experience for two at Speed Vegas, round-trip charter tickets for two with Surf Air, and LA Rams tickets for two with an autographed jersey from Aaron Donald.


A raffle was also held at the event, with the winner, TJ D., taking home two magnums of wine and four wine tastings courtesy of Austin Hope Winery in Paso Robles.


The generosity of the tournament's attendees helped BGCMLA raise much-needed funds for its youth development programs. These programs provide life-changing opportunities for Los Angeles youth, such as ongoing access to academic enrichment programs, social-emotional wellness support, opportunities to develop leadership skills, and maintaining safe and supportive environments for kids and teens to learn, explore, achieve, and dream.


BGCMLA is grateful to all of the sponsors and attendees who made the 13th Annual Charity Poker Tournament a success. The organization is committed to providing high-quality youth development programs to the children and teens of Metro Los Angeles, and the funds raised from this event will help make that possible.

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Thank you again to our wonderful sponsors and supporters!


Silver Level-

Oro Capital Advisors - Lisa & Bradley Mindlin

US Bank

UTA


Bronze Level -

Falguni Adams

Rick Barragan

Cathy Hession 

Robins Kaplin LLP

Karen Pointer Esq.

Andrew & Ali Tennenbaum


Host Bar -

Josie Padilla & Jon Anderson


Drink Sponsors -

Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal

Skyduster Beer


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.
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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
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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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