Hollenbeck Youth Center Awards Lunch!

When boxing champion Seniesa Estrada was just a little girl, she began her amateur boxing career at the legendary Hollenbeck Youth Center. Located in Boyle Heights, the community center and gym was a haven for youngsters just like “Superbad” Estrada. And now 50 years later, the Hollenbeck organization is still going strong.

Founded by CEO Daniel L. Hernandez, the nonprofit has helped thousands of individuals through the years. And it’s been a family affair as wife Bea Hernandez and daughter Priscilla Hernandez (also with the Hollenbeck Police Business Council) have strived to give back to the community with their various events through the decades including the Inner-City Games Los Angeles, the After-School All-Stars, a Turkey Giveaway with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Miracle on 1st Street Toy Giveaway, a Day at the Races, Salute to the Dodgers, etc.

On May 15, sponsors, supporters, and school children all gathered at La Parrilla restaurant in Los Angeles for a special Supporters and Community Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by Rachel Cota, David Sandoval and Jack Teetor.

And there was a lot to celebrate as the Hollenbeck Youth Center has been celebrating their 50th Anniversary of the Hollenbeck Youth Center and the 30th Anniversary of the Inner-City Games LA. Danny, Priscilla and Jose “Nati” Correa greeted all the guests and thanked everyone for all their support and helping the generations of families that have participated in the programs for over 50 years.

There were award presentations going to Seniesa Estrada (who trained at Hollenbeck with her father Joe), sponsor Rachel Cota, the Hollenbeck Moms group, Big 5’s Rick Gridley (Hero Award), “Kid of the Year” Oscar Alvarez and more.

I chatted with 12-year-old Oscar (green belt) who began training in karate at age 6 with Hollenbeck’s Enrique Mares. Presenting his award was the very first “Kid of the Year” recipient Mario Barragan. Mario received the honor 40 years ago! And the impact it made on his life was a positive one. His loyalty to Hollenbeck and Team Hernandez remains just as strong. His Local 11 electrician’s union has sponsored many Hollenbeck events and 40 years later, he was able to give young Oscar his own award.

Hollenbeck offers so many athletic programs like boxing, karate, combat sports, martial arts, as well as educational and cultural programs for the underserved community. It’s a beneficial outlet to keep at-risk kids and teens out of gangs and away from drugs.

And the Hernandez crew and their employees are grateful for all the support from both the East L.A. community and beyond.

There was a group of 16 students who were also surprised with gifts during the luncheon. Principal Rachel Saldana and dual language teacher Carlos Gomez brought some kids to the awards show to take part in the festivities. They are students at the nearby Sheridan Street Elementary School and were having a good time at the fiesta. The youngsters all received bright blue Dodger shirts handed out by Rachel Cota and also were gifted tickets to a Dodger game. The boys and girls (4th-6th graders) told me they were so excited; it was obvious by the smiles on their faces how much this meant to them.

And making memories is just a small part of what Hollenbeck provides to the youth. As Danny Hernandez says: “All Kids are a Lifetime Investment.”

As the sold-out room finished their delicious meal of tacos, beans, rice, flan and horchata, the mood was jovial, upbeat and celebratory.

It was a knockout day with the Hollenbeck Youth Center and congrats again to all the award recipients!

Photos by Michele Chong