Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Clayton Kershaw has been one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in MLB history. Now in his 13th year in the majors, Kershaw has been a workhouse starting pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers. A five-time ERA title winner, MVP, 3x Cy Young award winner, and…ping pong charity savant? That’s right, Clayton Kershaw loves his ping pong, and he loves helping others. A favorite amongst pro baseball players for its clubhouse-friendly equipment, competitive nature, and emphasis on hand-eye coordination, ping pong has become a staple of relaxation and pregame festivities in MLB clubhouses all around the country. No more so in Los Angeles, where Kershaw has combined his love for ping pong with a charitable approach towards life. The annual event, one that had occurred seven years in a row prior to 2020, brings athletes and celebrities together  to play Ping Pong and raise money for various charities. In addition, at their most recent event in 2019, there was a silent auction on the field to benefit the funding of rescue missions for children caught up in the sex trafficking trade of the Dominican Republic. For the second year in a row, actor Bryan Cranston emceed the event, and was quick to remind guests that a purchase of $6300 – a lot for the average person but not much for athletes and celebrities making 10 million a year -would be enough to fund the rescue of one child.

The idea began with Kershaw’s belief that just about anyone can play ping pong, and it’s grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated community events in baseball. In addition to practically the entire Los Angeles roster, celebrities of the likes of Brad Paisley are regulars at the event. The proceeds of the tournament go to charities both in the States and overseas, including Arise Africa, a ministry dedicated to witnessing about the gospel by providing shelter, food, and care to young children affected by severe poverty.