Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw hosts the Fourth Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose celebrity ping pong tournament, Thursday, August 11 at Dodger Stadium.
The event benefits Kershaw’s Challenge, launched by Clayton and his wife Ellen in 2011 to challenge and encourage people to utilize their individual passions and talents for the betterment of others. They currently partner with a host of local, national and international philanthropic organizations.
The evening will honor Dennis Gilbert with the 2016 KERSHAW’S CHALLENGE IMPACT AWARD. Dennis is founder of The Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, former super-agent, sole benefactor of the Dennis Gilbert baseball field in South Central, LA, current Chicago White Sox executive and a nationally recognized life insurance agent.
Will Ferrell co-hosts the jam-packed night highlighting a single elimination tournament featuring celebrity and VIP ping pong enthusiasts. Food, drink, live music by Half the Animal, a DJ, giveaways and a silent auction are also featured.
Also expected to attend are: Susan Sarandon, Eric Stonestreet, George Lopez, Anthony Anderson, Orel Hershiser, Mike Epps, Rob Riggle, Omar Miller, Claire Holt, Troy Garity, Mario Lopez, Emily Osment, Becca Tilley, Ben Lyons, Diplo, Tyler Toffoli, Anze Kopitar, Dodgers teammates including Kike Hernandez and more to be announced!
“Kershaw’s Challenge has always been about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Clayton Kershaw, “That’s why we love the opportunity to host an event like PingPong4Purpose – it invites people to join in the important work of making life better for children worldwide, specifically in LA and the Dominican Republic. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and support of others. And it’s a great excuse to play ping pong for a great cause!” he continued. “This year we are proud to present the Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award to Dennis Gilbert for his extraordinary commitment to helping vulnerable communities through sport and the game of baseball. This award is in celebration of the noteworthy efforts of Dennis, who shares our dream of improving the lives of those in need. August 11th is shaping up to be an incredible night. We could not be more excited to share this opportunity with others.”
An online auction, produced by Harlan Werner and Sports Placement Service and Art of the Game, benefitting Kershaw’s Challenge was launched July 28 at MLB.com. Among the one-of-a-kind items featured are: a vintage 1960’s microphone, signed by Vin Scully and framed in a shadow box; Mike Trout signed, game-used jersey; Corey Seager signed, game-used home jersey and a third base used during the 7th through 9th innings of Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter, signed and dated June 18, 2014.
The organization has also partnered with Crowdrise, offering fans a chance to win a spot in the tournament. Through August 6, every $10 donated also affords donors a chance to win the grand prize which includes a VIP Dodger dugout tour during the season. Go to www.crowdrise.com/kershawschallenge to enter.
Proceeds from all events will fund two of Kershaw’s Challenge’s marquee partners, Dream Center LA and CURE International. Working with Dream Center LA, Kershaw’s Challenge supports the Transitional Housing Program that brings homeless families off the streets and allows them to rebuild. The organization also supports the annual Back to School bash, donating back packs and school supplies to children of Dream Center LA. In the Dominican Republic, Kershaw’s Challenge works with CURE International to support a child focused hospital, providing surgeries for the underprivileged as well as contributing to capital improvements and new programs.
Southern California ACURA Dealers will serve as the presenting sponsor with additional sponsors and partners including Milky Agency; Find Your Grind; SPiN – A Ping Pong Social Club and Stiga. Additional Sponsors and Partners include: Los Angeles Dodgers, Goldman Sachs, Security Benefits, Under Armour, Knowledge Society, Budweiser, Surfair, Los Angeles Magazine, Time Warner Cable Sports, Papa John’s Pizza, Diageo, Classic Party Rentals, Art Of The Game, Excel Sports Management, Summer Steinfeld Jewelry, Lindsay Meyer Art, Sprinkles, Montage Beverly Hills, Unity Jets, SJM Industrial Radio, Sweet E’s, Hawaiian Springs and Time Machine.
Find out more about the event here.
