Torrance, Calif., Oct. 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For Clayton Kershaw and wife, Ellen, the close of the Dodgers' season is bittersweet; the break from one passion opens up additional time to give back to the communities they are part of, from Africa to Texas to California. This year, through their organization Kershaw's Challenge, the couple selected Torrance-based Sharefest Community Development to help support Sharefest's Youth Development Academy and impact the lives of Los Angeles youth.
The Youth Development Academy provides educational support to traditionally underserved youth through mentoring, academic support, and leadership training--a goal that aligns with the passions of the Kershaws. This summer, Clayton and Ellen met with student participants to offer baseball skills training, but more importantly, challenge them "to use whatever you have been blessed with--talent, passion, or purpose--to give back to others."
Sharefest plans to honor the work of the Kershaws at their 10th anniversary dinner taking place Sat., Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Torrance Marriott Hotel.
"I am blessed to have a career that allows me to use my gifts and strengths not only in baseball, but also to reach out and give back and inspire others," said Clayton. "Ellen and I have a heart for encouraging youth, and we've enjoyed partnering with Sharefest this year to do just that."
"Sharefest and Kershaw's Challenge share similar missions, to make a positive, lasting change in the lives of others," said Sharefest Founder and Executive Director Chad Mayer. "Meeting and hearing from Clayton and Ellen made a tremendous impact on our students in the Youth Development Academy this summer, and their support will help us continue to encourage these youth through academic support, leadership training, and mentoring."
Video: Kershaw with Youth Development Academy kids http://wapc.mlb.com/play?content_id=28845103
Clayton Kershaw has previously been honored with the Roberto Clemente Award and the Branch Rickey Award for his humanitarian work. He also received the 2013 Warren Spahn Award for pitching, and is a top candidate for the 2013 Cy Young Award.
To learn more about the Kershaws work with Sharefest or the upcoming anniversary dinner on Nov. 2, visit www.sharefestinc.org/fundraiser or call (310) 626-8106.
Additional information on Sharefest's 10th anniversary: http://www.sharefestinc.org/storage/files/Sharefest10Anniversary_Release.pdf
Torrance-based Sharefest Community Development is public benefit 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a vision to create an imprint of lasting positive change in our community through mentoring youth, fostering volunteerism in the community through service projects, and establishing working coalitions made up of city leaders, schools, businesses and the faith community. www.sharefestinc.org