The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed Veterans experiencing homelessness to Dodger Stadium for a Thanksgiving lunch, with the presence of Fernando Valenzuela, Joe Davis, and Kirsten Watson, who assisted in serving the meal. (Photo: Dodger Blue)
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation hosted approximately 400 Homeless Veterans for a Thanksgiving lunch at Dodger Stadium on November 16.
The event, held at the Centerfield Plaza, featured decorations, music, and the participation of Dodgers personnel, including legendary player Fernando Valenzuela and SportsNet LA broadcasters Joe Davis and Kirsten Watson.
The event showcased gratitude to the Veterans for their service, recognizing the challenges many face, including mental health issues. U.S. Army Veteran Charles Flakes acknowledged the increasing recognition of Veterans, stating, “I’m glad the world is starting to come around and recognize us.” Another Veteran, Mark Waters, noted the positive change over the years in acknowledging and supporting Veterans.
The invited Veterans, who were part of various local Veteran housing programs, were provided transportation to and from the event through buses arranged by the Dodgers. Veterans were treated to a Thanksgiving feast prepared by LEVY, featuring traditional dishes such as turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and pies.
Apart from the Thanksgiving meal, the event included entertainment such as music, a raffle, and the opportunity to interact with Valenzuela, who expressed pride in being part of an organization that actively contributes to the well-being of Veterans and the community.
Veterans also had the opportunity to take photos with the 2020 World Series trophy, and each Veteran received a gift bag containing essentials and tokens of appreciation. Additionally, the Dodgers announced that all Veterans in attendance were invited to a home game during the 2024 season, and a few individuals received additional prizes such as Field Box MVP tickets and gift bags through the raffle.
The event was part of the Dodgers’ broader efforts to give back to the community and honor those who have served. The team has a longstanding tradition of donating turkeys during the holiday season, and this year, they contributed $30,000 to six local charities for Thanksgiving meals. The Dodgers also organized a Thanksgiving Grab and Go drive-thru in South L.A., providing 1,500 meals to the public during the holiday season.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.