Dodgers And Catching Hope Foundation to Surprise Marquez Elementary Students with New Art Installation and Recess Takeover
WHAT: Marquez Charter Elementary School welcomes the Los Angeles Dodgers, in partnership with Will and Cara Smith’s Catching Hope Foundation, for a celebration featuring the unveiling of custom-designed art installations to brighten the campus and restore a sense of community for students.
Students will also participate in a “recess takeover” with Dodgers catcher Will Smith, including interactive activities designed to inspire connection and joy.
Los Angeles Unified School District’s Marquez Charter Elementary School was destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades wildfire, displacing hundreds of students, teachers and staff. Since returning to its campus in the fall, students and staff have been learning in temporary structures. This initiative supports ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming and uplifting environment as the community rebuilds.
WHO: Will Smith, Catcher, Los Angeles Dodgers; Co-Founder, Catching Hope Foundation
Kristin McCowan, Vice President, Community and Government Affairs, Los Angeles Dodgers
Sadie Jefferson, Executive Director, Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation
WHEN: Friday, April 10, 2026
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Marquez Charter Elementary School
16821 Marquez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90272
MISC.: Media interested in covering the event should RSVP to Hayley Tennant at HayleyT@ladodgers.com and Kevin Conlon at Kevin.Conlon@lausd.net.
About the Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with nine World Series championships and 26 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers, baseball’s 2024 and 2025 back-to-back World Champions, have been recognized as ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year and are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world. Visit the Dodgers online at www.dodgers.com, follow them on Twitter @Dodgers and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Dodgers. For media information, visit www.dodgerspressbox.com.
About the Catching Hope Foundation:
The Catching Hope Foundation works to help underprivileged youth with critical skills needed for leadership, self-advocacy, and self-sufficiency. With the goal to help students develop the tools needed to achieve success through partnerships with various organizations in the Los Angeles and Louisville communities, we strive to provide resources and create opportunities, starting with those who need it most. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we strive to continue making that a reality. For more information, visit http://catching-hope.org.
About Los Angeles Unified School District
Second largest in the nation, the Los Angeles Unified School District (www.lausd.org) enrolls more than 429,000 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The District covers 710 square miles and includes Los Angeles as well as all or parts of 25 smaller municipalities plus several unincorporated sections of Los Angeles County. The District focuses on a singular goal: ensure ALL our students graduate READY FOR THE WORLD – to thrive in college, career, and life. Follow Los Angeles Unified on social media @laschools.