WHAT: The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), in partnership with Miracle League Los Angeles (MLLA) and the City of Lynwood Recreation and Community Services, will host a special Storytime as part of the Dodgers Dreamteam’s 10th annual LA Reads program, which brings Dodger players, alumni, broadcasters, and friends of LADF to read to youth at libraries, schools, and parks across Los Angeles County.
On Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete will read to youth from Dodgers Dreamteam, Miracle League Los Angeles, and the City of Lynwood at Dodgers Dreamfield No. 38, LADF’s first Universally Accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Baldwin Hills Recreation Center, which is specifically designed to accommodate players of all abilities.
The event highlights the ongoing need for more accessible and inclusive literacy opportunities for children with disabilities. In collaboration with MLLA, which creates inclusive spaces for youth with special needs through baseball, LADF is helping create a literacy experience where every child, regardless of ability, can engage and participate.
Peete brings a personal connection to the initiative through her children’s book “My Brother Charlie,” inspired by her son, RJ, a beloved Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse attendant on the autism spectrum, to raise awareness and share stories of inclusion. All youth attendees will have the opportunity to take home their own copy of “My Brother Charlie.”
LADF is grateful to receive support for the LA Reads program from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel, which enables LADF to help address the literacy crisis in Los Angeles and motivate youth to build a lifelong love of reading.
Parents and educators can sign children up for the Dodgers Reading Champions Program by visiting Dodgers.com/LAReads. The program tracks reading among K–8 students and rewards those who log more than 30 minutes of reading per day.
WHO: Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
Holly Robinson Peete, Actress and Singer
WHEN/WHERE:
Universally Accessible Dodgers Dreamfield at Baldwin Hills
Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
5401 Highlight Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90016
*Private and invite-only
MEDIA
RSVP: Alex Torres or Dan Nasitka at rsvp@rocketlaunchagency.com.
WHY: LA Reads is a joint literacy program designed to motivate youth to build a lifelong love of reading. Engaging programs and educational resources throughout the year support literacy and make reading fun for everyone. Since its launch, the program has surpassed 6.5 minutes “read” and distributed over 31,000 books.
VISUALS & INTERVIEW
OPPORTUNITIES:
- Interviews with LADF Chief Executive Officer Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman
- Interviews with actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete
- Picture and video opportunities of youth participating in the Storytimes
- Picture and video opportunities of books and learning resources being passed out to attendees
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