Hollenbeck Kids Honored in L.A.

Benefits future programs–including boxing!

The Hollenbeck Youth Center is known for its famous boxing gym in East Los Angeles where youngsters like future Olympians and pro fighters Oscar de la Hoya and Paul Gonzales first honed their skills. This ring is also where current amateur standouts Seniesa Estrada, Angel Bojado and Denise Rico first laced up. Recently receiving a $10,000 donation from Everlast plus a meet-and-greet with Mexican-American heavyweight Chris Arreola, the Hollenbeck Boxing Club looks to continue building champions for future years to come. The youth center was founded almost 40 years ago and still thrives, thanks to the contributions and donations from countless sponsors and benefit fundraisers.

I recently had a chance to attend the nonprofit organization’s 29th Annual “Salute to the Dodgers” with proceeds going to sports and educational programs that help thousands of at-risk youth in the economically strapped area. Presented by the Hollenbeck Police Business Council (HPBC) and the Inner City Games of Los Angeles (ICGLA), proceeds from last week’s luncheon will aid those that need help the most.

Held at the Cathedral Plaza in downtown L.A., a large contingent of Hollenbeck boys and girls were present as they watched young athletes and top students Dany Tecum and Mariel Mares receive their “Kids of the Year” honors at the yearly awards banquet. As their peers took the stage, the kids giggled and cheered as they saw their friends shine in the spotlight. Also applauding these two pint-sized heroes were members of the L.A. Police Department and their Anti-Drug Units, military forces, city officials, and special guests including actor Tom Sizemore, World Series Champ “Sweet Lou” Johnson, emcee Jorge Jarrin, son of the famed Jaime Jarrin (Spanish-language Dodger broadcaster), City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, and L.A.County District Attorney Steve Cooley.

During the awards luncheon, a silent auction was held in the foyer of the ballroom with many sports collectibles up for bid like signed boxing gloves from Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Shane Mosley, Chris Arreola, Alfonso Gomez, Sergio Mora and others.

Speaking with Hollenbeck’s Enrique Mares, I got the scoop about their upcoming amateur boxing tournament on Sunday, October 24. The fistic showdown will take place at a nearby university, Cal State L.A. It’s no doubt that some of the toughest boxers come out of their gym, since the at-risk youth are forced to combat the violence, drugs and gangs prevalent in East L.A.

For these underprivileged children and families, boxing, as well as the other sports and educational programs that Hollenbeck offers, presents a way out of the street life. The youth center is also known for many other sports programs including the boxing tournament, baseball, football and basketball tournaments and educational outreach programs focusing on computer skills, art and music appreciation.

During the presentations on the VIP dais, the audience was shown film clips of highlights through the years like fun field trips for the kids, a Thanksgiving food giveaway and their Miracle on 1st Street Toy giveaway that assists over 10,000 families hit by the recession.

And just who are the city’s heroes who help these impoverished families?

Danny Hernandez, President and CEO of HPBC and Founder of ICGLA, Priscilla Hernandez, ICGLA Board Member, HPBC Advisor and Vice President of the Hollenbeck Youth Center, ICGLA Executive Director Bea Hernandez, Co-Chair Dan Kinney, Co-Chairman George Castello, Sports Director Nati Correa, Administrative Executive Maria Mendoza, their board members, committee and sponsors are just some of the individuals I’ve met who are the real champions of these children.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mark Sanchez, New York Jets quarterback and Hollenbeck Ambassador and Spokesperson have also lent their support to Danny Hernandez’ organization. “All Kids are a Lifetime Investment,” is the Hernandez family’s mission statement and Danny, a heroic Silver Star Medal recipient, is diligent and passionate on his continued quest to make sure all kids get a fair shake in succeeding–by staying off the streets and staying in the gym or classroom.

During the celebration, the attendees watched numerous awards presented including this year’s Kelly Key honorees Officer Greg Debes and Officer Evelyn Gutierrez, a Wounded Warrior segment, a multitude of Anti-Gang tributes and the co-main and main event, an Amigo De Los Niños honor for “Sweet Lou” Johnson and the prestigious 2010 “Man of the Year” bronze to Los Angeles Chief of Police Charles Beck.

The patrons in the packed dining room rose for several heartfelt standing ovations, including those for Beck and Johnson. And who knew “Sweet Lou” was such a huge boxing fan? I had the chance to speak to the friendly outfielder during a reception before the awards got underway. He told me his favorite boxer is 1984 Gold Medalist Paul Gonzales, a popular East L.A. product that Johnson was happy to get to know. Johnson has been part of the Hollenbeck tradition for almost three decades. “I’ve been involved with the Hollenbeck Boys Club for 29 years,” the spirited 76-year-old said. “Oh man, I have a lot of memories; today is very special.”

He also mentioned that through the last few years, he’s somehow lost touch with Gonzales. “I really liked Paul Gonzales,” the former ball player and current Dodger Community Relations representative told me. “He was a real good friend of mine and I miss him.”

During his acceptance speech later that day, Johnson showed his fighting spirit too as he remarked to the crowd, “Don’t take that ‘Sweet’ too lightly ’cause I was ferocious!”

One of the “Kid of the Year” role models also spoke to the crowd from the heart. Dany Tecum has learned the harshest lesson of all. He told the crowd how as a boy growing up in the gritty neighborhoods of East L.A., he was forced to choose between two paths: the thug life or a life worth living. “My friend joined a gang and was killed last year at age 15,” he said quietly–and powerfully–while at the podium. Citing his father and the Hollenbeck adults as true role models, Tecum vows to stay on the right road and says he’s already a role model himself to the little kids who now look up to the world-wise 16-year-old.

In that same vein, actor Tom Sizemore is also on the road to recovery, after his well-documented problems in the past. The “Heat” star is now donating his time to help the youth through acting workshops and sports field trips. Hoping to provide leadership in inspiring the kids and teens that it’s never too late to change paths, the outgoing thespian gave an inspirational speech and performance using a theme of courage in an ode to Winston Churchill.

After stepping off the stage, the theatre-trained Sizemore joined us at our table, where the energetic actor had time to chat about his work with the Hollenbeck kids, his love of movies, baseball and of course, boxing! First he had some good news to share. Going into almost 500 consecutive days of sobriety, the actor known for his intensity in his many film roles, said proudly, “I’m going to be filming a movie with Nicolas Cage.” He stated that this is his first big studio role since his days of clean living. He’ll be shooting a remake of “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” in an updated 3D version. He couldn’t contain his excitement and wants others to know you can change courses.

Then the chat turned to the sweet science as our table talked about what everyone else in boxing has been buzzing about: Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito. With their upcoming November clash looming on the horizon, it’s the most talked about main event of the year. Sizemore, who was a teenage boxer back in his Detroit days, loves the sport. After some discussion, he gave me his pick. “I think Pacquiao’s gonna win!” he nodded.

“You know, I’ve loved boxing and so did my father,” he added. “Sugar Ray Robinson was my dad’s favorite of his generation. My favorites are Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis (who’s a real gentleman!), Shane Mosley, Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali.

As the celebration then continued, the guests of honor mingled with the crowd and posed for photos–some of them putting their dukes up for the flash bulbs as you’ll see in these exclusive pics from the day.

Congratulations to Danny Hernandez, the Hollenbeck Youth Center, ICGLA, HPBC, and all of the new 2010 honorees!

Photos by Michele Chong