LOS ANGELES– Before the Dodgers open a six-game homestand the players were out of their uniforms and donning their best party wear for the team’s 8th annual Blue Diamond Gala on Thursday, May 2nd.
‘The Party for LA’ lived up to the hype. Combining the opulence of the Academy Awards, the rare opportunity to bump into a loyal Dodger fan from all walks of life.
Shohei Ohtani, the Baseball sensation of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his wife Mamiko Tanaka turned heads at the Dodgers’ 2024 Blue Diamond Gala with their all-black ensembles. The power couple made a striking appearance at the event, showcasing their style and elegance.
The event raises funds for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, a nonprofit which works on local causes including education, homelessness and health care.
In fact, team ownership announced a new pledge of $50 million to support the foundation. They pledged another $50 million if the team reaches the World Series this season.
“We think about the work that we’re doing, tackling L.A.’s most pressing problems – focusing on homelessness, education, health care and social justice,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the foundation. “This is a night where we get to put on display the cumulative impact we have.”
Singer Ed Sheeran headlined the Thursday night event at Dodger Stadium. Players including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were in attendance.
“They’re all dressed up, they all look sharp,” said team manager Dave Roberts. “For our fans to see us outside of our uniforms and looking like normal people, and know we’re still raising money to do good for people in Los Angeles and beyond is a lot of fun.”
Walking the Blue Carpet was Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos. “I’m here tonight because of friends, and we’ve seen so many kids helped,” said Spanos.
Deemed the “Party for L.A.,” the Blue Diamond Gala is presented by the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group.
Proceeds from the event benefit the LADF and their programs and initiatives aimed at improving education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos.
LADF is tackling the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos. Bigger than baseball, LADF envisions a city where everyone regardless of ZIP code has the opportunity to thrive.
The foundation was reimagined in 2013 and has since raised over $95 million and is on track to raise $100 million in 2024. LADF has invested more than $60 million in its programs and grants to local organizations and impacted more than 10 million youth.
LADF is the proud recipient of ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award, Beyond Sport’s Sport for Reduced Racial Inequalities Collective Impact Award, and the Aspen Institute Project Play Champion.
Following the star-studded blue carpet was a pre-show dinner party and two hours of entertainment, including post-show party food trucks. In addition to the live performances.
Dodgers owner and CEO Mark Walter announced the Guggenheim Ownership Group pledged a donation of $50 million to LADF. In addition, Dodger ownership will donate another $50 million if the Dodgers reach the World Series in 2024.
“Just as the Los Angeles Dodgers compete at the highest level on the field, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is peerless in the breadth and depth of its service for the community off the field,” Walter said.
“This donation underscores the importance of every goal the LADF pursues and achieves, and our hope is that together, our baseball team and the Foundation reach the greatest heights in 2024.”
It was at the intersection of Sports and Entertainment, and it was a Grand Slam!