The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has raised more than $104
million since 2013. (photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation)

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation recently hosted the second annual Blue Heaven & Bourbon: A Benefit Trophy Night at Dodger Stadium, bringing together supporters, partners and community leaders for an evening benefiting the organization’s Dodgers Dreamteam and Dodgers Dreamfields programs. 

Held on UNIQLO Field and throughout Centerfield Plaza, the fundraiser featured food, beverages, entertainment and discussions with Dodgers executives and community leaders while raising money to expand youth development opportunities, baseball and softball programming and access to safe recreational spaces across Los Angeles. 

The evening included a VIP Champions Chat with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes. Guests also heard remarks from Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman and Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The program also featured a fireside conversation with former Dodgers standout Reggie Smith and a performance by Grammy-nominated singer Aloe Blacc. 

Attendees sampled a limited-edition Maker’s Mark Champion Selection barrel donated to the foundation following the Dodgers’ World Series celebration. Culinary and beverage offerings were provided by several Los Angeles-based partners and vendors. 

“Blue Heaven & Bourbon was created to celebrate the power of community and championship spirit while investing in opportunities for young people across Los Angeles,” McKenzie-Whiteman said. “We are incredibly grateful to Maker’s Mark, our generous sponsors, partners and supporters who made this memorable evening possible.” 

Proceeds from the event support Dodgers Dreamteam, the foundation’s sports-based youth development initiative that uses baseball and softball as platforms for education, health services and other resources for young people. Funds also support Dodgers Dreamfields, which revitalizes community baseball and softball fields and uses them as gathering spaces for sports activities, literacy and STEM programming and neighborhood events. 

According to the foundation, Dodgers Dreamteam and Dodgers Dreamfields work together to expand access to youth programming and recreational opportunities throughout Los Angeles County. 

Since reorganizing in 2013, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation reports raising more than $104 million and investing more than $80 million in community programs and nonprofit partners. The organization said its efforts have positively affected more than 11.5 million youth. 

For information, visit mlb.com/dodgers/community/foundation.