Hollenbeck Youth Center honors the Sanchez family
The Hollenbeck Youth Center has been churning out Olympic champions like Oscar De La Hoya, Paul Gonzales and George Lopez for over three decades now. The non-profit organization will be holding their amateur boxing show in July, where the next young prospects will be competing. Female boxer Seniesa Estrada, 17, first laced up at this very same gym when she was just eight and is now poised to become one of the first female Olympians in boxing. And the future “Golden Boy,” who trained there when he was just a small boy, never forgot his early foundation built in this legendary gym.
Another high-profile athlete who also hasn’t forgotten his own roots in the East Los Angeles community is New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez–who even took to wearing a Mexican flag mouthpiece during football games! Since turning pro, he completed a successful rookie year as the new franchise player for the East Coast, even earning the nickname of “The Sanchise.” But the East L.A. community has not forgotten the gridiron star either.
Last weekend, Daniel Hernandez, President/CEO of the Hollenbeck Police Business Council and Founder of Inner-City Games Los Angeles (ICGLA), and Event Chair Priscilla Muñoz Hernandez hosted the 2010 Gala Dinner held at the brand new Ritz-Carlton Hotel at L.A. LIVE to honor not only the football player, who is an ICGLA Ambassador, but also his whole family. Sanchez scored both a touchdown and a knockout with this prestigious honor.
This was quite a memorable event filled with touching tributes, surprise entertainment and several awards presented to Mark, his father Nick Sr., Olga, and older brothers Nick Jr. and Brandon as the “Family of the Year” recipients.
Entering the airy new property last Saturday night, the kids from Hollenbeck (wearing special Mark Sanchez T-shirts) politely greeted all the guests as they made their way up to the Platinum Ballroom in the spacious venue. The boys and girls volunteered their time in appreciation of all that the youth center has offered children just like them for almost 40 years. Besides the Hollenbeck Boxing Club, there are many other after-school programs, including sports activities and educational programs for the at-risk youth in the area which help deter them from a life of gangs and drugs.
The youth showed us around the large-scale silent auction that included sought-after sports and film collectibles like an autographed De La Hoya glove, Muhammad Ali memorabilia and, of course, plenty of cool New York Jets items and tons more all up for bid during the Social Hour and VIP Reception. While we checked out the auction zone, I got a chance to enjoy some rousing tunes by the all-female Mariachi group playing for those gathered around.
With a few minutes to spare before the big event began, we also had an opportunity to meet the quarterback. Always around boxing, it’s really become a second nature of mine to quickly put my fist up in any photo. Upon seeing me do that, Mark laughed and said, “I’m not a boxer; let’s try this!” as he gave a friendly ‘thumbs up’ sign for the camera.
As everyone made their way into the ballroom, you couldn’t help notice an air of excitement running through the building with everyone looking forward to celebrating Team Sanchez.
And Team Hernandez (Danny, his wife Beatrice, ICGLA Executive Director and daughter Priscilla, ICGLA Board Member and Hollenbeck Advisor), Zach Muñoz, Maria Mendoza, the Hollenbeck committee, their sponsors and volunteers really thought of everything at this splashy affair: There was a Marine Corp Color Guard with an assist from a local Boy Scout troop, an all-star rendition of the National Anthem by Little Willie G. of Thee Midniters (“Whittier Blvd.”), football highlight reels and more. A travel through the history of Hollenbeck was also shown on screen with the famous ’80s boxing program (coined “The Jewel of Hollenbeck”) showcased.
Mark’s connection to this Latino community remains strong. The Mexican-American quarterback has become a real hometown hero and a role model to many. At the podium, he told the audience that both his mother and father spent years in the surrounding East L.A. area while growing up and in school. And even though his bank account has somewhat increased–only by about $50 million–after signing with the NFL, the 23-year-old remains humble and appreciative of everything he’s earned. And several faces from his past came out to show support for the honorees as Sanchez announced that his fifth-grade teacher Miss Valentine (“She probably can tell you a lot of stories!”) and many of his USC professors were in the audience.
During the dinner and dessert (including a chocolate football), I found some other boxing connections. At our table was a former fighter from the recently-closed LAYAC gym (housed in an old jail cell) named Rocky. Yes, that’s his real name. Sergeant Rocky R. Gonzalez, his Sergeant Major Willie T. Ward III, and Vietnam vet Tony Zapata were part of the Color Guard procession. These gentlemen were great company and we enjoyed learning all about their impressive ribbons, hash marks and rank insignias on their uniforms. Fighter Michael Chavez, from Barry’s Boxing in Vegas, also stopped by to chat. The former L.A. amateur star is still very involved in the sport through youth boxing. He is training hard and also plans to return to the ring himself sometime this year.
After the dinner many L.A. dignitaries, city and state officials took to the stage to recognize Mark and his family. Those involved with the Hollenbeck Police Business Council continue their dedication and drive in helping so many of the community’s kids with the opportunities provided at the youth center. Senator Gil Cedillo, District Attorney Steve Cooley, Councilmember Bernard Parks, Co-Chair of the council George Castello and other notables were introduced by emcee and KCAL anchor Rick Garcia.
“Usually we honor an individual,” commented Danny Hernandez about this unique award, “but this time we’re honoring a whole family who are all role models!” The Sanchez family have long-established roots in the city; not only did his parents grow up nearby but Mark also played football at East L.A. college before he made his mark at USC.
Taking the podium, he said giving back to this community transcends football and he is “happy to help the youngsters–and proud to represent Hollenbeck.”
“It really hit home; we wanted to get involved,” Sanchez explained. “It’s so easy when you work with someone like Danny. It’s a natural fit.”
As the youngest brother in the Sanchez crew, he took time to thank his family, saying, “I couldn’t do it without them.” Mark said both Nick and Brian have been instrumental in his career and enjoys working with them. He also encouraged others with his loyalty and support of Hollenbeck and the kids in the community. Mark and his family then received several honors as “Family of the Year.” Danny and Bea also presented the Jets star and Inner-City Games Ambassador with a bronze award by boxing trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst.
Then as the benefit dinner was coming to a close, there were still a couple of surprises for the crowd. Entering the festive atmosphere was the only and only USC Trojan Marching Band who performed several songs for the “Spirit of Troy” fans, all pumping the victory sign to the beat.
A final gesture of appreciation for those in attendance was having all of the Hollenbeck children–the true victors of this night–stand up and be acknowledged.
And on this night, the youth were also given a chance to say they were really “puttin’ on the Ritz”! Then the kids delivered red roses to all the women on the eve of Mother’s Day. A nice touch to end a perfect evening.
What a memorable evening it was. And not just for the adults, but for all the wide-eyed children in attendance who will grow up, hopefully go on to college, have successful careers and perhaps even become the next role models for younger generations to come.
Congratulations to both the Sanchez and Hernandez families for being “champions” for the children.
Photos by Michele Chong
