BGCMLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

Los Angeles, CA (April 30, 2024) - 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 Hall , Luke 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.

Febuary 1 , 2024 (Watts, CA) - As we commemorate our one year anniversary with Sony Music Group's Beyond The Instrument initiative and Notes for Notes, we are thrilled to once again swing open the doors of our recording studio at Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club. This collaborative effort, established in 2023, continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for club members eager to nurture their musical talents and aspirations. At the heart of this initiative lies a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation of music creators. Through a year-round program, students are granted free access to musical instruments, instruction, and state-of-the-art recording equipment. This holistic approach empowers them to develop not only as artists but also as producers, engineers, and composers for film and TV. As part of our annual program, leading up to the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, we invited Sony Music Group artists, songwriters, producers, and composers to the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. Here, they engaged with students, sharing insights and experiences while marveling at the diverse array of projects spanning podcasting, rock bands, film scoring, production, and songwriting. 

Genesis, a resilient young woman who has faced numerous challenges since childhood, continues to inspire with her determination and accomplishments. Raised in a single-mother household with limited income, she endured not only financial hardship but also the trauma of physical abuse. However, her story took a turn for the better when she found refuge and support at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) in the Watts/Willowbrook community. Through BGCMLA, Genesis found opportunities to enrich her education, advocate for herself and her community, and contribute positively to society. Engaging in programs like College Bound, Power Hour, Keystone, and the Social Justice Club, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and activism. Genesis became a vocal advocate for environmental justice, using platforms like podcasts and surveys to raise awareness and effect change.

10th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

Los Angeles, November 28, 2023 — During Giving Tuesday, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles received a $25,000 grant toward our mission of creating safe spaces for youth to learn, explore, achieve, and dream! Kohl’s grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles was made through the company’s National Giveback Initiative, which provides associates with the opportunity to nominate a nonprofit they’re passionate about for a $25,000 grant. Through the initiative, Kohl’s will donate grants to selected nonprofits nationwide, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to family health and wellness. The full list of selected grant recipients is available on Corporate.Kohls.com. Donations are made possible through the Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good merchandise program, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100 percent of the net profit to charitable organizations across the country. 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.

LOS ANGELES, Nov 19. 2023 -- The Challengers Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles recently celebrated the opening of their fifth Comebaq Court in partnership with the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation and Icy Hot. This collaboration aims to inspire young athletes and provide safe and accessible spaces for children in underserved communities. With the support of the Lakers Youth Foundation, the new Comebaq Court offers Club members an upgraded basketball space to enhance their skills and enjoy their favorite sport. Shaquille O'Neal, a Boys & Girls Club alumni and legendary basketball player, has always recognized the importance of restoring basketball courts and crea ting safe places for children to play. "Restoring basketball courts and creating safe places for kids to play has always been important to me," Shaquille O'Neal said. "I was a kid at the Boys & Girls Club once, and the community supported me beyond just sports. I'm thrilled to celebrate the opening of this Comebaq Court at Challengers Boys & Girls Club for our kids to enjoy, as we ensure the next generation has access to safe places like these to follow their dreams."

October 21, 2023 (Los Angeles) - A gathering of philanthropists, business and entertainment community leaders, local dignitaries, and supporters occurred at Vibiana in Los Angeles. The occasion was the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles’ (BGCMLA) Stronger Together Annual Gala, which raised over $682,000 to support academic and enrichment programs for BGCMLA youth across Greater Los Angeles.

September 25, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) - Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) has been selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to receive $60,000 in funding to drive academic success for youth. This grant will be used to support in-person academic programming through Project Learn at the Club's sites and to sustain the Clubs' Panda Cares Center of Hope.

Grant is part of significant $24 million investment in Boys & Girls Clubs in LA County