“Christmas in September” is a KO!
It’s not everyday that you see snow drifting down from the skies of Southern California.
But sure enough, the good ‘ol white stuff was gently falling down during back-to-back “Christmas in September” knockout charity bashes held this week in Los Angeles.
A local boxing club collected new stuffed animals, action figurines, books, DVDs, CDs, games and more to donate to the two events benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Boxing trainer Steve Harpst, his amateur fighters, fitness instructor Alesha Reyes and photographer Amy Opoka gathered up the goodies to take to Monday night’s gala at The Abbey and Tuesday night’s party at Rockwell VT.
As large crowds attended both events, the recipients of the thousands of toys will be the infants, children, teens and young adults undergoing cancer treatment at CHLA, a nonprofit organization.
This week, in the spirit of giving, boxing coach Harpst met up with CHLA’s Albert Garcia at Rockwell in the Los Feliz area to deliver all the toys. And “Santa’s Helper’s” Amy, Alesha and myself also joined Monday’s revelers who all wanted to do their part for the littlest victims of cancer.
Several boxers have been champions of these brave young warriors who are fighting the deadly disease.
I’ve participated in fundraisers with CHLA where fighters and champs like the late Genaro Hernandez, Wayne McCullough, Alfonso Gomez and Oympian Shawn Estrada have lent their time and support to meet these kids and encourage them to stay strong, never give up in their battle against cancer. “Chicanito” Hernandez (who died from cancer this past June) was a valiant supporter of CHLA, even before his own tragic diagnosis. Through World Boxing Council (WBC Cares), a nonprofit with Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond, Genaro was a special WBC Goodwill Ambassador who visited hospitals and patients. He would meet the children and later on his own, the world champ would return a second time bringing gifts after searching for coveted items on their gift “wish list.”
With the holiday season fast approaching, CHLA’s Albert Garcia has many toy drives planned to ensure the thousands of cancer patients will have a happier holiday. “We had two events benefiting Children’s Hospital’s Toy and Gift Program,” the tireless Garcia tells me. “And we have about 200 additional events coming up. Our goal this year is 100,000 toys.”
One hundred thousand toys. That sure is a lot of Barbies and GI Joes. I confirm that number again with Albert.
“Yes, that is our goal! And that’s just for in-patients here at CHLA,” he replies. “We also have over 300,000 patients each year.”
One poignant detail came to light during my conversation with the hospital veteran. With the patients’ health at the forefront, after all the unwrapped gifts are gathered, an important and momentous job begins. “All the toys have to be sterilized and disinfected,” Albert explains, “before coming in contact with the kids at the hospital.”
The hospital (whose motto is “We Treat Kids Better”) recently moved into a new building this past summer and Garcia also mentions the and outpouring of support from surrounding business and patrons in the community. “Ultimat Vodka, Patron Spirits Company
, Rockwell restauranteurs have been great,” he says with appreciation. CHLA did a bang-up job in coordinating both toy drives.
Both celebrations were real “knockouts” with Santa’s sled filling up quickly with the bounty of toys brought by all of the guests. Since it was past the kiddos’ bedtimes, it was up to the adults to come out and represent all the young cancer fighters at CHLA.
In this exclusive look at BOTH fundraising galas, you can check out what went down at this winter wonderland–ironically, during the very last days of summer in SoCal!
The first of the festivities took place Monday night The Abbey, a famous hotspot in the city. The red carpet evening included an entrance complete with snow flakes, “hunky” Santas and pretty elves dressed up in holiday attire with the eatery all decked out in its early-Christmas finest. The party also included delicious appetizers and desserts, dancing and several celebrity sightings. Joining The Abbey’s David Cooley at their 6th Annual “Christmas in September” were Adrienne Maloof (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), ‘N SYNC’s Lance Bass (“Dancing With The Stars), actresses Lacey Chabert and Erin Murphy (who played Tabitha in the classic “Bewitched” TV series), among others.
The Christmas trees were overflowing with toys that kept pouring in right next to an oversized red velvet Santa chair, large Nutcracker statues and even a balloon artist greeting all the participants at this lively affair.
On Tuesday night, the season of giving continued at Rockwell, a popular eatery near Griffith Park. CHLA’s Albert Garcia, Rockwell’s Chris Diamond, and another great turnout of guests enjoyed performances by “American Idol” singers and candy canes from Santa’s Helpers and special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, themselves. Santa even put up his own “boxing fist” getting into the fistic spirit. Rockwell VT’s “1st Annual Christmas in September” was a rousing KO success. All the details were thought of including a blanket of real snow outside, a “frozen ice” photo booth and holiday-themed food and drink.
Community events like these are what those in boxing circles enjoy being part of–especially if it’s for the children suffering from cancer.
“It’s always good to give back,” boxing trainer Steve Harpst nodded. “Our boxing club is all for the kids–that’s our job.” Just voted his city’s Best Fitness Instructor 2011, Coach Harpst’s amateur boxing club teaches good sportsmanship and respecting others in and out of the sweet science.
On behalf of the Burbank Boxing Club, photojournalist Amy Opoka was also happy to contribute while filling up the stockings for the kiddies.
“I think it’s great all the kids will have something to look forward to,” Opoka (who has covered many sports including boxing) said. “There are so many kids that will benefit from all this–this really is a worthwhile cause!”
“Champions for a Cause,” CHLA’s Albert Garcia, the committees, board members, sponsors, volunteers and all of the countless individuals involved made sure that these back-to-back “Christmas in September” kickoff events aiming for their best year ever in piling up toys for Santa’s sleighs.
You don’t have to be a boxer to be in the toughest battle of your life.
Fighting for their lives, these cancer patients–and cancer survivors–are my true heroes outside of the ring.
Photos by Michele Chong, Steve Harpst and Amy Opoka
For more info: www.chla.org
