Fundraiser luncheon kicks off Annual Toy Giveaway!
The “Miracle on 1st Street” is a community event that has been providing thousands of at-risk youth in the East L.A. and Boyle Heights neighborhoods a chance for a better Christmas with a toy giveaway, games, entertainment and more at the historic Hollenbeck Gym in Los Angeles. Their gym has been a mainstay in the local boxing community for decades, and can even boast of two Olympic Gold Medalists: Paul Gonzales and the “Golden Boy” himself, Oscar De La Hoya. The 
Hollenbeck Boxing Club also hosts amateur shows at the gym throughout the year.
In association with the Hollenbeck Youth Center, Inner-City Games Los Angeles (ICGLA) and the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, this annual toy giveaway event offers many families a relief from the recession as the community, sponsors, and business leaders all work together to give assistance during the holidays. At their past affairs, I have seen fighters Israel Vazquez, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Timothy Bradley, Bobby Chacon, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Tom Arnold and others all playing “Santa’s elves” while passing out toys to the never-ending line of kids.
At a special fundraising luncheon held yesterday afternoon, the upcoming toy drive got a big kick-off reception as President and CEO Daniel L. Hernandez hosted the 1st Annual Law Enforcement Luncheon to honor anti-terrorism units while raising funds for the children’s event. From the VIP dais, it was announced by emcee Steve Simonian that “all proceeds go directly to the toy drive” scheduled for later this month. Outside of the ballroom, a silent auction was also featured during the fundraiser.
Checking out the treasures to bid on, I saw Manny Pacquiao autographed boxing gloves, Muhammad Ali signed photos, Lakers jerseys, footballs, helmets and more all displayed and 
ready for bids. An item that got the most attention was a signed photo by golfer Tiger Woods. There weren’t too many bids on this pic, but there were jokes a plenty. Many said that they’d rather bid on the superstar’s golf club that was used by wife, Elin! That would surely be a priceless item.
While in the lobby entrance in the Cathedral Plaza in downtown L.A, I had time to visit with officers John Long and Tom Davoren from the bomb squad’s K-9 unit. Long’s dog is named Llaura and Davoren’s canine is Shadow. The two explain that the animals live with the officers and become part of the family. Long is also the proud owner of a retired dog, Coby. He also explains that whenever you see an additional letter before the dog’s name, it stands for the 911 victim they were named after. So after she graduated from the force’s puppy program, his canine, Laura, was christened “Llaura” to honor the woman who died in the 911 tragedy. These anti-terrorist dogs continue to honor those whose lives were lost in the 911 attacks, and the victim’s families can also stay connected through the canine’s activities.
Heading into the luncheon, I ran into popular Hot 92.3 radio DJ Damon Knight. The music director of Hot, which plays old school and R&B tunes, is also the host of the “Red Hot Sports 
Report.” He told us that he wants to start boxing as a way to stay in shape. Knight is also a huge supporter of the Hollenbeck toy giveaway. He said all the toys from their own Hot 92.3 toy drive will be taken down to the Hollenbeck gym as well, and the station will be doing a radio broadcast onsite during the Christmas event.
Since Danny Hernandez and Hollenbeck’s motto is “All Kids are a Lifetime Investment,” there were also several youngsters sprinkled in the crowd. The Hollenbeck Youth Center has various after-school programs with both athletic and educational programs open kids as an alternative from gangs, drugs and street life. The center has a computer lab and music programs too. In the sports programs, many youth members from their boxing, basketball, karate and swimming teams were in attendance, all enjoying the buffet lunch.
Jose “Nati” Correa, Program Director, was gathering his group of kids who were volunteering their time by assisting with the awards (medals, crystal awards, and special certificates of appreciation) given out during the luncheon. Nati said it’s been a busy time for Hollenbeck; they just had a Thanksgiving event with 500 turkeys handed out to needy families. He also said that boxing will remain a big focus at their gym and they are looking forward to 2010.
One of the loyal Hollenbeck Youth Center members, Mariana Gonzales, age 14, led the audience in the flag salute to begin the festivities. Mariana was heralded as their 2007 “Kid of the Year” for her contributions to the organization and continues to achieve through their programs. Just like this teenager, other kids continue to stay involved with Hollenbeck even as adults.
Maria Mendoza, Administrative Executive for Hollenbeck, is one example of how the program benefited her during her childhood, as well as her future as an adult. “I was involved in volleyball as a youth and was also an ambassador too,” the friendly Mendoza explains. “I was always involved, and my uncle also works at Hollenbeck.” She says it’s been a very rewarding experience and is happy to be part of the community.
As the guests enjoyed their meals at this appreciation luncheon, new Leadership Council members were sworn in. A long blue line of anti-terrorist officers were then introduced to the audience to receive their honors.
New Chief of Police Charles Beck was also introduced and accepted an award for L.A. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, who sent his regrets due to illness. The new chief has only been on the job for two weeks but has already been making an impact in the city. Beck took time to praise the Hollenbeck Police Business Council by saying he admires the way they “connect with the kids and the community.”
Founded in 1997 by Hernandez, the Hollenbeck Police Business Council is supported by various businesses, sponsors, and volunteers. At the podium, Hernandez thanked Chief Beck, D.A. Cooley, community advisors, and all of his committees for their efforts. Danny, a recipient of the prestigious Silver Star medal for his acts of heroism during his Vietnam tour of duty with Operation Utah, said he is especially proud to recognize those who choose to protect and serve.
Danny’s wife, Beatrice, serves as Executive Director of Inner-City Games L.A. (ICGLA). Their daughter, Priscilla, Vice President of Hollenbeck Youth Center, is also event Co-Chair (along with Judge Scott Millington) of their “Miracle on 1st Street” holiday event.
L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley was also a special guest on the dais. “Many of my staff enthusiastically support the youth center and their activities,” he commented. “The Hollenbeck Youth Center offers great crime prevention programs. Danny, you do a great job and we’re proud to be part of your team!”
The third-term D.A. also showed his appreciation in adding, “Thank you to all the contributors–you really make a difference. The business community has shown their support in providing 5,000 kids a real Christmas.”
And that’s what the focus of this inaugural awards luncheon was really about–offering needy kids a helping hand.
Representing L.A.’s finest was a sea of men (and women) in blue, all lending their support to Danny Hernandez, the Hollenbeck Youth Center and the Police Business Council to ensure that thousands of at-risk children will be enjoying a brighter holiday season!
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst: Officers John Long and Tom Davoren; Hollenbeck’s Priscilla Hernandez; D.A. Steve Cooley and Danny Hernandez; Nati Correa from Hollenbeck Youth Center; The luncheon festivities