The
Venetian and the Palazzo are teaming up this season with two-time, Cy Young
Award-winning pitcher Clayton Kershaw to raise money for at-risk youth in
Africa, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The
Las Vegas resorts have pledged $100 per strikeout in the 2014 regular and
post-seasons in support of Kershaw’s Challenge, the 501c3 organization founded
by Clayton and his wife, Ellen. Continuing a campaign he’s undertaken for the
past few years, Clayton also will be donating for each of his strikeouts.
Kershaw’s
Challenge was established in 2012 after the couple took a 2010 humanitarian
trip to Lusaka, Zambia. During their visit, they met Hope, a young orphan who
was battling malnourishment and HIV. The Kershaws sponsored the child, ensuring
she would have schooling, nutritional meals, and mentorship possibilities.
Building
off their relationship with Hope, Kershaw’s Challenge expanded its work to a
number of charities, including Mercy Street in Dallas and Sharefest in Los
Angeles.
"It
means so much to Ellen and me that The Venetian and The Palazzo are joining the
Kershaw's Challenge team for this upcoming season,” said Kershaw. “They have a
long tradition of supporting nonprofits around the world, and we feel very
fortunate to partner with them to benefit our efforts and change the lives of
underprivileged children in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Zambia."
While
Kershaw and his wife were in Las Vegas, they co-hosted a baseball clinic with
The Venetian and The Palazzo for the members of Vegas’ Junior Giants. The
Junior Giants is a free, non-competitive, and innovative baseball program for
boys and girls ages 5-18 years old. It gives at-risk kids a meaningful
partnership with community-based organizations and provides an alternative to drugs,
gangs, and crime.
“It’s
great to see The Venetian and The Palazzo team up with Clayton in support of
such a great cause,” said Gene Tate, Junior Giants’ commissioner. “Our kids
were in awe that an athlete of his stature would take time out of his busy
schedule to motivate underprivileged youth in the Las Vegas community. He is
truly an inspiration to youth all around the world regarding hard work,
dedication, and giving back to the community.”
Kershaw
worked side-by-side with Tate and his team of coaches to oversee baseball
drills of fielding, hitting, base-running, and pitching. He also addressed the
organization and youth about the importance of physical health as well as
scholastic achievement.
Kershaw
was named the National League Cy Young Award winner in both 2011 and 2013, and
he was honored with baseball’s highest humanitarian honor, the Roberto Clemente
Award in 2012. His win/loss record this past season was 16-9, during which he
posted a 1.83ERA while striking out 232 batters.
