The Comeback Court Comes to Challengers Boys & Girls Club

Nov 19, 2023

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 creating 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." 

Shaquille O'Neal (center) pictured with local dunkers and Challengers Boys & Girls Club members.

The official court reveal and dedication took place on November 16 at the Challengers Boys & Girls Club, with Shaquille O'Neal, local government officials, and representatives from various organizations, including the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, Icy Hot, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA), and Lakers Youth Foundation (LYF), gathering to celebrate. The Lakers Youth Foundation also conducted a basketball clinic for club members, fostering their skills and passion for the sport.


To add an extra special touch to the opening, a slam dunk competition was held on the new court, featuring some of the city's best local dunkers and renowned sports personality Rachel DeMita. This electrifying event brought together the Boys & Girls Club members, sparking excitement and showcasing their talent on the brand-new court.

Patrick Mahoney, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

"We are grateful to the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, the Lakers Youth Foundation, and Icy Hot for this magnificent new court," said Patrick Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. "BGCMLA strives to provide our young people with the highest quality programs in safe, world-class facilities. Thanks to our partners on this court, we can program more opportunities to compete and play!"


Through the restoration of basketball courts and the creation of safe spaces, BGCMLA is grateful for the support and opportunities created by the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, Icy Hot, and LYF. As we look ahead, the partnership is dedicated to supporting the next generation of athletes and creating a brighter future for children everywhere.

For more information on how to get involved with BGCMLA, please visit www.bgcmla.org/get-involved.

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

Boys & Girls Club 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 country'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.


About Icy Hot®:

As America's No. 1 topical pain relief brand among OTC topical analgesics, Icy Hot® makes powerful over-the-counter pain relief products that fuel your resilience to rise from pain. Our extensive line of products provides powerful, fast-acting relief to give you targeted relief. Icy to dull the pain. Hot to relax it away®. The Icy Hot brand is brought to you by Sanofi's Consumer Healthcare division that provides over-the-counter drugs such as topical analgesics, allergy medications, gas, constipation and heartburn medications, medicated skin products, as well as cosmetics and dietary supplements. 


About The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation:

The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Established in 2019 by the NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children. While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools, the Foundation simultaneously supports Shaquille's other charitable endeavors, such as his annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives alongside his corporate partners. For more information, visit shaqfoundation.org. 


About The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation (LYF):

The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization and the official team charity of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Foundation's mission is to help underserved youth develop their potential by providing positive experiences and resources in education, health and wellness, and sports. The Foundation also awards grants to other charities that support youth through direct services and programs in these areas. 

Empowering Youth Through Music with Sony Music & Notes for Notes

09 Apr, 2024
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. 
Boys & Girls CLubs of Metro Los Angeles 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament

BGCMLA's 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament on April 11, 2024

02 Mar, 2024
Los Angeles, CA (February 28, 2024) - Get ready to shuffle up and deal for a good cause at the 14th Annual Charity Poker Tournament, "All in for the Kids," hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). This isn't just any poker night - it's a no-limit Texas hold 'em tournament where every hand dealt helps pave the way for brighter futures! Event Details: Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024 Time: Lessons at 6 PM, Cards in the Air at 6:30 PM Location: Hollywood Park Casino (Room: Top Section), 3883 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303 This event promises an evening filled with excitement, strategy, and philanthropy as participants gather to support the life-changing programs and outreach provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles to youth throughout the Metro Los Angeles community. "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." Whether you're a seasoned poker player or just looking to try your luck, this event is open to players of all skill levels. Reserve your seat today and help us go "All in for the Kids!" Early Bird tickets are available now through March 16th, and we are now accepting sponsorships. For ticketing information, sponsorship, and event details, visit bgcpoker2024.givesmart.com or contact Lucia Lopez at lucia.lopez@bgcmla.org. 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 .

Genesis C.: The Rose that Grew from Concrete

01 Mar, 2024
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.

Ross Dress for Less® to Help Local Kids Thrive in Los Angeles

08 Feb, 2024
10th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

BGCMLA Receives $25,000 Grant from Kohl’s National Giveback Initiative

29 Nov, 2023
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.
photo of SNL alumni performers and Andrew Whitworth

Stronger Together 2023 Gala Fundraises Over $682,000 for Youth Programs

23 Oct, 2023
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.

BGCMLA Awarded Panda Cares Grant to Boost Youth Academic Success

25 Sep, 2023
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.
BGC representatives holding check for $24 million

BGCMLA Announces $780,000 Gift from Ballmer Group

21 Jul, 2023
Grant is part of significant $24 million investment in Boys & Girls Clubs in LA County

Poker Players Raise Over $45k for Local Youth

25 Jun, 2023
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.

Congratulations Class of 2023!

14 Jun, 2023
Join us in honoring the BGCMLA College Bound graduates of 2023! They are the future, and we believe in their success and ability to make the world a better place. Congratulations!
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