31st Annual “Miracle on 1st Street”
It will be a brighter Christmas for thousands of families in East Los Angeles as the Hollenbeck Boxing Gym was transformed into “Santa’s Workshop” with heaps of shiny new bikes, dolls, skateboards and toys piled to the ceiling in the spot that usually houses the boxing ring.
Here is my special report from the 31st Annual “Miracle on 1st Street” hosted by the Hollenbeck Police Business Council and Inner-City Games Los Angeles (ICGLA). Daniel L. Hernandez and his family have long been the holiday saviors for the underprivileged youth in the gritty neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and beyond. On Saturday, Danny, his daughter Priscilla Hernandez and their dedicated team of sponsors, city officials, and volunteers all came out to lend a hand at the headquarters for the toy giveaway.
Actor Tom Arnold was the 2012 Holiday Ambassador at this year’s bash. The comedian introduced the VIP guests in attendance including singer Little Willie G (Thee Midniters), Big 5’s Rick Gridley, Hot 92.3’s Jimmy Reyes, the Steve Mnuchin family (OneWest Bank), Carmen Trutanich, Jackie Lacey, Eric Garcetti, Jan Perry, George Castello, the Los Angeles Police and Fire Department, a trio of Laker Girls (the gym features a brand new floor with the “Lakers Youth Foundation”), U.S. Marines, and many others who gathered in the Hollenbeck Youth Center.
Emcee Tom Arnold and Priscilla Hernandez thanked everyone for all of their support as the guest speakers were then brought up to the podium. Willie G led the patrons in a moving prayer for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School–a heartfelt reminder that kids are our future. For the Hernandez family, this has been their mission statement for years as Danny proudly states: “All kids are a lifetime investment.”
Working diligently to collect thousands of toys for the youngsters, Hollenbeck and ICGLA have proven that children are their #1 priority.
During the day, I also visited with former amateur boxing champ Jose “Ugly” Arreola, who is a current trainer for the Hollenbeck Boxing Team. Jose is a co-trainer, along with his brother Adrian Arreola (a featherweight contender recently inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame). Known as “Coach Ugly,” Jose says the young boxers are all thriving in the program.
“I’ve been involved with Hollenbeck for over 40 years,” the slugger told me, recalling his early start in boxing. “I came here as a kid! It was me, my brother Adrian, Paul Gonzales and Al Stankie training in the basement in the Police Station!”
Now Team Arreola has their second generation of family members taking part at the gym. With Coach Ugly were his three kids, Jose Jr., 18, Alyssa, 13 and Jasmine, 8. “Jose Jr. is part of the staff at Hollenbeck,” the proud papa mentions. “And the girls are training at the boxing club too.”
There was also a brand new generation of the Hernandez clan at the charity event. Danny Hernandez proudly held his grandson, Zachary Daniel Munoz, as the Hollenbeck hero accepted a special city proclamation from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich. Little Zack is the son of Priscilla Hernandez and Zack Munoz. The adorable 9-month old threatened to steal the show as the baby boy was introduced at the Christmas gala for the very first time.
All the families were enjoying the proceedings leading up to seeing the at-risk kids receive toys from the guest of honor, Old St. Nick himself.
I met many of the families who told me they had lined up for days for their chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a toy. For many, this weekend’s gift will be the only one during these hard times. The tots also got to stroll through Santa’s Village, take a train ride on First Street, watch a parade and a caravan of classic cars snaking through the streets, enjoy live Mariachi music and much more at this 2012 “Miracle on 1st Street.”
For the loyal team at Hollenbeck, seeing the kids faces light up and watching the smiles grow is their reward for all the hard work in putting together this mega event.
Big 5’s Director of Public Affairs Rick Gridley told me this was his very first year as Co-Chair, along with Priscilla Hernandez. But he has been involved with the organization since 1996 and is happy to help. Gridley is also a big boxing aficionado and a former amateur fighter himself, having been a “Silver Mittens” Boxing Champ back in the day.
He is honored to represent and be part of the fiesta. “There are 10,000 reasons why I love this event,” he tells me with a smile. “I get to see 10,000 smiling faces! The kids are all lined up to get a toy and we’re here to make sure they get a toy from Santa.” Rick also had a troop of “Santa’s Elves” volunteering their time at the Big 5 booth where the kids played games and received hats and goodies from the sporting goods company. The Santa’s helpers handing out the items were teens from Lincoln Heights Tutorial’s Youth United for Community Action (YUCA).
And that’s the spirit that Danny Hernandez and his board, advisors, sponsors and volunteers like to bring forth. Helping others in the community–especially during the holidays.
And once again, their “Miracle on 1st Street” will provide a happier holiday for the families surrounding East L.A. as you can see in my exclusive snapshots from the day.
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Y FELIZ NAVIDAD TO ALL!
Photo by Michele Chong
