LOS ANGELES — After signing the richest contract in Dodgers history, All-Star outfielder - Matt Kemp, spent his holiday season making a difference in the lives of many. In the days and weeks leading up to Christmas, Kemp attended the 25th annual “Sweet Alice Toy Drive” in Los Angeles at the Dianne Feinstein Day Car Center and also visited the pediatric floor at City of Hope Hospital.
Additionally, Kemp also traveled to his native Oklahoma three days before Christmas where he was presented the key to the city of his hometown Oklahoma City, donated $10,000, volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and announced his new campaign, “Score Against Hunger.” Kemp will donate $1,000 to the Food Bank for every home run he hits in 2012; he hit 39 in 2011. Finally, he visited “FaithWorks” on the Inner City. It was here he dropped off hats, coats, gloves and hats to more than 70 individuals.
As part of his new contract, Kemp will donate $250,000 a year to the “Dodgers Dream Foundation.” According to the Dodgers website, Kemp had this to say:
”More money gives me the chance to help more people, to give something back. I love being around kids and I love to see them happy. I’m glad to be here. As time goes by I know they look up to me and want to be in the same position as me. To see my face, I hope it gives them hope for the future. It’s all about the kids, giving back to the community, and this is the most exciting time in a kid’s life. You get to see smiles on their faces and hang with them and it’s just an exciting thing to do.”
Through the course of his career, Kemp has had a heart of gold. He has raised more than $400,000 for families affected by autism, made appearances for the March of Dimes “Be A Hero for Babies Day,” raised funds for the “Dodgers Dream Foundation” along with Louis Vuitton, was a spokesperson for Coaching Corps, and has visited many hospitals. He also has a meet and greet for kids through an initiative called “Kemp’s Kids;” this takes place at Dodger Stadium before games during batting practice.
The Good in Sports is proud to honor Matt Kemp with a Gold Star for his hard-work and dedication. He is truly an All-Star on and off the field of play.
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