Dodgers: Ellen and Clayton Kershaw Host 7th Annual Charity Ping Pong Tournament
For the 7th year in a row, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen welcomed celebrities, friends, and teammates alike to Dodger Stadium for the “Ping Pong 4 Purpose” celebrity tournament benefiting Kershaw’s Challenge.
Moreover, the event raised support for education, wellness, and community programs for youth and families.
Clayton and Ellen were once again joined by Emmy award winner Bryan Cranston as the Emcee, as they honored country music star Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley for their philanthropic advocacy with the Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award.
The Kershaws are truly a couple we aspire to be like – @BradPaisley pic.twitter.com/wG6Te8fVF2
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 9, 2019
Wild, Wild Tourney
Clayton’s teammates were out in full force on Thursday’s off night, for which the star left-hander was grateful.
Just to see everybody that comes out – especially your teammates. I more than anybody know how much a home off night means, to get to be home with your family, your friends, you get to hang out away from the field.
To get such a great turn out from teammates and get to have them all here and playing and enjoying themselves, and get to be a part of it is really a special thing. It makes this night go, it makes this event go, and I’m just so thankful for that.
As for the tournament, the competition was as fierce as the outfits, as usual.
Clayton Kershaw’s outfit is toned down just a bit this year. So classy!!!
Thoughts?!?! #PingPong4Purpose #typocorrected pic.twitter.com/HK4ou9B9fL
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 9, 2019
Clayton, dressed to the nines, paired with new partner Cody Bellinger for the first time, and (of course) won the tournament!
F I N E S S E
?: @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/Wl0DcMnQ3A— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 9, 2019
Moreover, they defeated last year’s winners in – dare I say it – walk-off fashion as Kershaw himself delivered the final blow.
While Cody Bellinger came away with this prize…
.@Cody_Bellinger’s really excited about his new prize. ? #PingPong4Purpose pic.twitter.com/ng1K9F95z9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 9, 2019
… the real winners were everyone involved with Kershaw’s Challenge.
Setting the Stage
Clayton and Ellen spoke ahead of the event, having this to say.
The ping pong event has become a highlight for us every year. It’s awesome to have so many teammates and friends from the LA community come out to support a cause that is so important to us.
Kershaw’s Challenge was founded by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011 and works with organizations to impact lives in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. For more information about Kershaw’s Challenge, visit www.kershawschallenge.com.
