September 18, 2024

Wide shot of the 2024 Champions for Children Dinner atop The Great Lawn at Jonathan Club on September 12, 2024.

2024 Champions for Children Dinner raises $450,000 for youth center programs

The annual event breaks fundraising record, raises vital funds for after-school and Summer of Science programs at Hope Street Margolis Family Center

LOS ANGELES (September 18, 2024) — The 2024 Champions for Children Dinner shattered records—raising over $450,000 for Hope Street Margolis Family Center, a family-centered community health and wellness program at Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC). 100% of event proceeds will support Hope Street’s youth after-school and Summer of Science programs for some of the most vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles.

During the event, themed “The Magic of Hope Street,” guests heard from event Co-Chairs Eloise Appel, EdD and Linda Ellman; Sid Oxford, Youth Center Coordinator, along with Hope Street students currently enrolled in college; and enjoyed carnival games, a magic show by Mark Furey, an opportunity drawing, silent and live auctions, and an exhilarating fund-a-need at Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles.

The Youth Center at Hope Street provides comprehensive after-school support for students of all ages, offering academic assistance, health and wellness activities, sports, arts, and the annual Summer of Science program, which just completed its tenth year. High school students also receive college prep and career development guidance, preparing them for future success.

“I’m lucky enough to be here every day and this summer was truly transformational for our kids—and it was all made possible because of our generous donors,” said Sid Oxford. “Continued donor support will ensure we’re able to provide future magical summers of creativity, imagination, challenge and discovery.”

Hope Street alumnae Melissa Matteo and her younger sister Kimberly 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. Melissa was the first in her family to graduate from high school, graduated from UC Davis, earned her second bachelor’s from Sacramento State and is currently pursuing her master’s degree. Kimberly, following in her sister’s footsteps, graduated from high school this past spring and started her freshman year at UC Berkeley this fall.

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 drivers 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. Since 1992, Hope Street has improved outcomes for approximately 75,000 children and their families—helping them to live better, healthier lives.

“Hope Street is critical to preventive care because we start at birth,” says Alina Moran, MPA, FACHE, FAB, President of California Hospital Medical Center. “By focusing on preventive and early intervention programs at birth, we not only interact with the child, but we’re also engaging with the entire family. 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.”

CHMC Foundation thanks its generous partners, donors and sponsors, including:

Platinum Sponsors:
Tracy Bechtold and Robert Gach | Presidio Partners UBS
Dr. E. Janet Bonilla and Robert Medina

Gold Sponsors:
Eloise and Mark Appel
Johnny Carson Foundation
Linda Ellman and Gary Mandinach
Hannah and Jeffrey Kirschner
Medical Staff of California Hospital Medical Center
Richard O. Oxford
Sheila Phillips, MD
Preferred IPA
Sharon Shelton and John Mazziotta, MD
Sandra Warde White and Don White

Silver Sponsors:
Susan and Barry Berk
Chef Michelle and Company
Eileen Cohen
Gensler / Lilith and Marty Borko
Shianne C. Hollander
Kelly Jones, MD and Jerry Abraham, MD
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District
Pastor James Lobdell
Jeanne Raya
Susan Shum
Dakota Warde-Levie
Wells Fargo Advisors

Bronze Sponsors:
Susie and R.J. Noonan
The Shammas Group

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. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/CaliforniaHospital.

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach for Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center. 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. Learn more at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org.