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View Winners → Woodcraft Rangers Gala: Engaging the Past to Inspire the Future
Arcadia Weekly Jun 30, 2015
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-Courtesy Photos
Celebrities, Alumni, Community Partners: A Night of Festivity and Support
On Wednesday, June 17th, Los Angeles’ oldest youth development program, Woodcraft Rangers, held its annual Gala in the heart of Little Tokyo at the Japanese American National Museum. In attendance were Woodcraft Rangers awardees; McFarland USA’s director Niki Caro; Curacao Stores; Beyond the Bell CyberPatriot; Michael Funk, Head of Afterschool Division for the California Department of Education; custom shoe designer King of Sneakers; and community activist Madeline Goodwin’s family. Celebrities and presenters included Woodcraft Rangers alum and NFL Veteran, ESPN sports analyst Marcellus Wiley; Best Supporting Actress Winner Jenette Goldstein; Marcus Paulk from the ‘90s hit show Moesha; and McFarland USA star Carlos Pratts. The event was emceed by Samm Levine, known for his roles in Freaks and Geeks, and his many roles in television programs such as Modern Family and Entourage.
The stars of the night truly were the youth performers from Bitely Elementary and various schools Woodcraft Rangers serves throughout the Los Angeles area. Performances ranged from an elementary mariachi club and urban dance to drumline musicians and folklorico. This was an evening highlighting the success of Woodcraft Rangers throughout the districts they serve. CEO Chris Johnson said, “It was very humbling how the community, alumni, and partners came together to celebrate and support Woodcraft Rangers in our mission.”
A silent auction was also held with multiple autographed and original items from UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. Team autographed basketball from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics and upscale vacations to Las Vegas Cosmopolitan Hotel were also auctioned.
The Gala served as a fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the inner city youth of Los Angeles to help fund Woodcraft Ranger’s NVISION.
Woodcraft Rangers continues to serve youth in the Los Angeles area and add to the 1.1 million lives they have impacted since inception.
For further information contact (213) 249-9293 or woodcraft@woodcraftrangers.o
