Hope Street staff on stage at the 2023 Champions for Children Luncheon on June 7, 2023.

2023 Champions for Children Luncheon showcases transformative health care leadership in Los Angeles

The annual event raised over $355,000 to support vital community health programs at Hope Street Margolis Family Center

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2023) — On June 7 the Champions for Children Luncheon raised over $355,000 for Hope Street Margolis Family Center, a community health resource program of Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC). 100% of event proceeds will support Hope Street’s youth afterschool and Summer of Science programs for some of the most vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles.

During the event, themed “Believe to Achieve,” guests enjoyed a serenade of children’s songs performed by Hope Street’s youngest students—culminating in a chant: “Believe to achieve! Believe to achieve! We work hard, you help us too! We can make our dreams come true! Believe to achieve! Believe to achieve!”— an opportunity drawing, silent auction and an exhilarating fund-a-need at Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. Event Co-Chair Eloise Appel, EdD, was joined by Hope Street students Genesis Marquez and Itzayana Ramirez as co-emcees.

Hope Street alum Kevin Arista Solis and his family were profiled in a moving video produced by Linda Ellman, event Co-Chair and Hope Street Advisory Board member, illustrating how they were able to achieve their dreams through the support they received from the center.

“I’ve been a part of Hope Street for a long time. Who knew I would be studying quantum chemistry this year,” Kevin said while standing in front of a mural designed by Bart Tucker of Gensler. The backdrop featured higher education institutions that alumni have attended such as USC, UCLA, Pasadena City College and Columbia University, where Kevin just completed his freshman year majoring in computer science. “Thank you Hope Street for being that sense of support to help us reach our potential and have a chance to strive in our own ways.”
Hope Street alum Kevin Solis addressing guests at the 2023 Champions for Children Luncheon
Hope Street was established in 1992 as a collaboration between UCLA and CHMC, and is led by Director Vickie Kropenske, RN, PHN, MSN. Today, it is a transformative leader in empowering and strengthening families by addressing the social determinants of health through a continuum of care including early childhood education, child welfare, behavioral health, parent education, health, youth and social services that support the entire family from birth to adulthood. The center serves 5,000 children and family members annually.

“Hope Street Margolis Family Center is the future of health care,” says Alina Moran, MPA, FACHE, FAB, President of California Hospital Medical Center. “By focusing on preventive and early intervention programs, Hope Street changes trajectories for children and families for the better. Together, we will continue to bring about positive change and create a brighter future for children and families in downtown, central and south Los Angeles.”

Over the past 30 years, Hope Street has improved outcomes for approximately 75,000 children and their families—helping them to live better, healthier lives.

Hope Street Advisory Board at the 2023 Champions for Children Luncheon “Donor contributions have not only provided much-needed resources but also restored hope, empowered dreams and ignited change within our community,” said Linda Ellman. “None of this would be possible without the unyielding dedication of our donors, advisory board and staff.”

“On behalf of Hope Street, we express our heartfelt gratitude to each donor, sponsor and friend for their humankindness, compassion and belief in our mission,” added Eloise Appel, who also serves on the Hope Street Advisory Board and is a board member of the California Hospital Medical Center Foundation. “Your tireless commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental.”

CHMC Foundation would like to thank its generous partners and donors, including this year’s sponsors.

List of 2023 Champions for Children Luncheon sponsors

View photos from the event.
To donate or learn more about Hope Street Margolis Family Center, visit HopeStreetFamilyCenter.org.

About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Located in the heart of Downtown L.A., California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, nonprofit teaching hospital providing compassionate care for over 130 years to the residents of Los Angeles. We offer a full-continuum of acute hospital care services, including a Level II Trauma Center, state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a free-standing Women’s Health Center. As part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system dedicated to advancing health for all people, California Hospital is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care.

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center established its foundation in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach. The generosity and vision of our donors generate the resources to provide the highest quality medical care to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The foundation has dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees a comprehensive fund development program incorporating special events, private foundation and corporate grants, individual giving and government support— raising more than $20 million per year. For more information visit supportcaliforniahospital.org.