University Southern California Trojans
Trojan Outreach Hosts Inaugural #FightOnGiveBack Dinner
December 05, 2018 | Trojan Outreach, Features
On Nov. 28, USC's Trojan Outreach program hosted the inaugural #FightOnGiveBack Dinner inside the Galen Center at the University of Southern California
In collaboration with Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles, close to 250 attendees were invited to fellowship with local professors, student leaders and elected officials for a stress-free and fun-filled evening.
The attendees included homeless men, women, children and families. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)'s 2018 Homeless Count 52,765 individuals and family members in LA are experiencing homelessness. Eighty percent are adults, 14 percent are families with children, and 6 percent are youth.
The most troubling statistic revealed that more than 3,000 people — 6 percent of the homeless population — became homeless due to fleeing domestic or intimate partner violence. The #FightOnGiveBack Dinner created a safe space for homeless citizens of Los Angeles to learn about new job opportunity resources, enjoy an evening of concierge-style service and comfort, and gain a sense of family within the USC community.
USC student-athletes from the football, track & field, soccer and tennis teams served an Italian-style dinner and dessert to the 200+ guests. The dinner was made possible by a donation from the Kramer Family Foundation. USC's student-athletes, including 2017 Community Service Award winner Jordan Austin, had the opportunity to build relationships with the very community members that cheer for them. As guests approached the chicken parmesan station, they were greeted and served by a very legendary leader: Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and USC Director of Athletics Lynn Swann. Swann emphasized to all guests that USC will always be their home.
Keith Williams Jr., a gospel singer from Compton, California, opened the dinner reception by performing a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The #FightOnGiveBack Dinner also welcomed Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh, a professor at UCLA and USC who specializes in trauma-informed therapy at Peace Over Violence, a local organization dedicated to reducing sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. Dr. Valizadeh shared a spoken word poem to remind the audience that they are worthy of love and respect. Finally, keynote speaker Jan Perry, Los Angeles' longtime General Manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) provided encouraging words to the attendees and offered valuable information regarding beneficial programs in Los Angeles County that aim to mobilize Los Angeles residents who are facing barriers into the workforce and housing due to a lack of resources.
All guests received Trojan Outreach shirts, informational pamphlets provided by the Peace Over Violence organization, hygiene essentials such as shampoo, hair detangler and conditioner packets donated by Bronner Brothers and a variety of other resources in complimentary USC bags.
Before taking keepsake pictures at the photobooth station, many of the families in attendance had never taken a family portrait. Lynn Swann and student-athletes also took keepsake pictures with guests at the photobooth station. Throughout the evening families were able to share their experiences with other families that have undergone similar experiences regarding the resources they utilize to grow. To end the evening, guests cheered on the USC women's and men's basketball teams as the games followed the conclusion of the #FightOnGiveBack Dinner.
In collaboration with Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles, close to 250 attendees were invited to fellowship with local professors, student leaders and elected officials for a stress-free and fun-filled evening.
The attendees included homeless men, women, children and families. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)'s 2018 Homeless Count 52,765 individuals and family members in LA are experiencing homelessness. Eighty percent are adults, 14 percent are families with children, and 6 percent are youth.
The most troubling statistic revealed that more than 3,000 people — 6 percent of the homeless population — became homeless due to fleeing domestic or intimate partner violence. The #FightOnGiveBack Dinner created a safe space for homeless citizens of Los Angeles to learn about new job opportunity resources, enjoy an evening of concierge-style service and comfort, and gain a sense of family within the USC community.
USC student-athletes from the football, track & field, soccer and tennis teams served an Italian-style dinner and dessert to the 200+ guests. The dinner was made possible by a donation from the Kramer Family Foundation. USC's student-athletes, including 2017 Community Service Award winner Jordan Austin, had the opportunity to build relationships with the very community members that cheer for them. As guests approached the chicken parmesan station, they were greeted and served by a very legendary leader: Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and USC Director of Athletics Lynn Swann. Swann emphasized to all guests that USC will always be their home.
Keith Williams Jr., a gospel singer from Compton, California, opened the dinner reception by performing a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The #FightOnGiveBack Dinner also welcomed Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh, a professor at UCLA and USC who specializes in trauma-informed therapy at Peace Over Violence, a local organization dedicated to reducing sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. Dr. Valizadeh shared a spoken word poem to remind the audience that they are worthy of love and respect. Finally, keynote speaker Jan Perry, Los Angeles' longtime General Manager of the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) provided encouraging words to the attendees and offered valuable information regarding beneficial programs in Los Angeles County that aim to mobilize Los Angeles residents who are facing barriers into the workforce and housing due to a lack of resources.
All guests received Trojan Outreach shirts, informational pamphlets provided by the Peace Over Violence organization, hygiene essentials such as shampoo, hair detangler and conditioner packets donated by Bronner Brothers and a variety of other resources in complimentary USC bags.
Before taking keepsake pictures at the photobooth station, many of the families in attendance had never taken a family portrait. Lynn Swann and student-athletes also took keepsake pictures with guests at the photobooth station. Throughout the evening families were able to share their experiences with other families that have undergone similar experiences regarding the resources they utilize to grow. To end the evening, guests cheered on the USC women's and men's basketball teams as the games followed the conclusion of the #FightOnGiveBack Dinner.
Women's Volleyball - USC 3, Michigan 1: Highlights (11/28/25)
Friday, November 28
USC Women's Volleyball vs. Michigan State Highlights | Trojans win 3-0
Wednesday, November 26
USC Men's Basketball vs ASU Highlights | Trojans win Maui Invitational, 88-75
Wednesday, November 26
USC Women’s Basketball vs Tennessee Tech Highlights | Trojans win 85-44
Tuesday, November 25
