A Better LA co-hosted a party for an estimated 3,500 neighborhood guests on Saturday at Helen Keller Park in the West Athens area of Los Angeles. The annual party (which was started four years ago by British Academy of Films and Television Arts, the Parks Department and C.U.R.E. for a small group of about 50 people) has grown into a much-anticipated and appreciated mega-event.
People in attendance were treated to over one ton of barbequed meats, courtesy of Todd's Out of This World Barbeque and his sponsors Bristol Farm, Farmer John and Simple Green, plus side dishes and drinks. Almost 2,000 pairs of donated Sketchers and Converse shoes were distributed to the kids, who then played on giant inflatable obstacle courses, slides and attractions (just like the ones at Fan Fest before USC football games) plus carnival games, small train, cotton candy and even a field of snow!
But the highlight was receiving the free gifts that were collected in the toy drive at the Coliseum plus donated items from LeapFrog, the LA County Fire Department and others. The annual event was produced by A Better LA non-profit partner, A Foundation for Kids. Representatives from the various groups spoke briefly, as did Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, and celebrated the day and what has been accomplished through the collective efforts of all involved -- most importantly including the members of the community.
An opportunity to sit with Santa was a big hit with the kids. The visit from Pete Carroll was popular with everyone. The coach visited with various leaders in the community who are making the peace possible and also handed out toys to the kids, and even tried his hand at the carnival games. Temporary Channel 7 correspondent Jaime Carroll interviewed her dad for the ABC cameras, somehow able to keep a straight face and doing a fantastic job.
A Big thanks to all the volunteers for A Better LA, CURE, BAFTA, USC, Rotary, Wyland Foundation, A Foundation For Kids and Palos Verdes High School that showed up on Saturday and made the event possible. If you would like to make a donation or become involved, you can contact the organization through www.abetterla.org.
After playing Santa, Coach Carroll laughs with a kid at A Better LA's Christmas party on Saturday.
Kids play in the snow at A Better LA's Christmas party on Saturday at Helen Keller Park.
