Hope Street alumni posing in front of the step and repeat at the 2022 Champions for Children Luncheon

Hope Street Margolis Family Center alumni and students posing in front of the step and repeat at the 2022 Champions for Children Luncheon.

Champions for Children Luncheon raises over $400,000

Fundraiser sets new record as Hope Street Margolis Family Center celebrates 30th anniversary

LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2022) — Last Wednesday, June 1, the Champions for Children Luncheon set a new record—raising over $400,000 for Hope Street Margolis Family Center (Hope Street), a program of Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC). 100% of event proceeds will support Hope Street’s community health, education and recreation programs for the most vulnerable children and their family members in Los Angeles.

On the sprawling green Great Lawn at Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles, guests enjoyed lunch, an opportunity drawing, silent auction and an exhilarating fund-a-need presided over by auctioneer Grant Snyder. Event Co-Chair Eloise Appel, EdD, and Hope Street student Genesis Marquez returned as emcees this year.

During the program—inspired by the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”— Hope Street alumni Carla Delgadillo, Jonathan Perez and Meri Jimenez shared their journeys of growing up with Hope Street as small children into young adults. Each was met with overwhelming applause when they informed the audience that they have started, or will be starting, college in the fall. The event concluded with the presentation of the Champion for Children Award to honorees the Honorable Donna Ellman Garber and her daughter Linda Ellman, and architectural firm Perkins&Will, who designed Hope Street’s newest early childhood center—The Nest— pro bono.

"It's truly remarkable seeing what Hope Street has accomplished over the last three decades with the help of our generous donors and partners," says Linda Ellman, Event Co-Chair and Hope Street Advisory Board member. "The last two years during the pandemic have proven why Hope Street is vital to the community. Anything is possible for the children and family members empowered by the programs and services Hope Street provides."

Hope Street continued to respond to the needs of the community throughout the pandemic by providing in-person and remote services, coordinating food distributions and repurposing its facilities into classrooms where students had access to virtual school distance learning—all to provide the best support possible.

"We have witnessed firsthand how our communities have transformed for the better with the continuum of care Hope Street provides," says Vickie Kropenske, RN, MSN, Director of Hope Street Margolis Family Center, who has been with the center since its founding in 1992. "Our mission focuses on community health from a generational and multi-pronged approach."

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Hope Street Margolis Family Center was established in 1992 as a collaboration between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and CHMC. Today, Hope Street continues its proven track record of 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.

"None of this would be possible without the steadfast dedication of our advisory board, staff and resilient students," adds Eloise Appel, who also serves on the Hope Street Advisory Board. “Funds raised from the event will ensure that the legacy Hope Street has built over the last 30 years continues.”

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

Watch videos featured at the luncheon including our honorees and a 30th anniversary video.
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
Founded in 1887, Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health and is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit dignityhealth.org/californiahospital for more information.

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.