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Hope Street Margolis Family Center Supporters Raise $375,000 at Champions for Children Luncheon

Annual Event Helps Sustain the Center's Unique Programs That Inspire and Educate Downtown L.A. Children While Honoring Jonathan Club for Community Service

In celebration of “The Art of Giving,” more than 300 friends of the Hope Street Margolis Family Center gathered at the annual Champions for Children Luncheon. The event successfully raised over $375,000 in support of the center whose various programs inspire and educate children of low-income families living in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and surrounding communities.

“Hope Street is fortunate to have the generous support of individuals and companies that make it possible to continue to provide health, education, and wellness programs to the children and families in Los Angeles,” said Richard O. Oxford, chair of Hope Street Margolis Family Center’s Fund Development Committee. “Through the 27 years that Hope Street has been a part of the DTLA community, I have seen how the community has transformed and benefitted from their work.”

Part of the event program included personal stories from three youths who shared how Hope Street changed their lives. These children—Genesis Marquez, Meri Jimenez and Jonathan Perez—emphasized the importance of having a community resource that inspires, educates, and serves children facing a myriad of societal challenges. The event also spotlighted Hope Street’s science-based summer program that bridges the learning gap with fun, interactive activities. A video entitled “Giving Back”, featuring Hope Street after-school youth working to donate shoes and socks to the homeless community, was screened for the attendees.

In addition to raising much-needed funds for the center, this year’s Champions for Children event paid tribute to Jonathan Club for its spirit of service, volunteerism, philanthropy, and deep commitment to the people of Los Angeles.  Through the years, Jonathan Club has partnered with Hope Street for volunteer service days, cooking classes, and even a beach day at its Santa Monica location for Hope Street children.

In accepting the award on behalf of Jonathan Club, past president Don Wyse called community service “one of the principle foundations of Jonathan Club” and spoke of how its members “dedicate a great deal of time, effort and contributions in helping add to the betterment of its neighborhoods and neighbors.” In addition to its passionate support of Hope Street, the Club actively supports a number of other community programs.

“California Hospital Medical Center and the Hope Street Margolis Family Center are able to make a measurable impact on the lives of children and families thanks to caring people like the members of Jonathan Club,” said Foundation President Nate Nusbaum. “They are truly champions for not just children, but for a healthier community as a whole.” 

About Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems.

About Hope Street Margolis Family Center

The Hope Street Margolis Family Center, a health, education and recreation resource of California Hospital Medical Center, has been recognized as a national model for integrating health care within the downtown Los Angeles community. Over 5,000 children and parents annually benefit from the services provided by the center whose unique programs include a comprehensive network of early childhood education, health and wellness, home visitation, family literacy, after-school enrichment, childcare, mental health, and child-welfare services. Further information on the Hope Street Margolis Family Center can be obtained at hopestreetfamilycenter.org.  To schedule a tour, please contact Sarah Winfrey, Hope Street Development Officer, at (213) 742-5869. or [email protected].

Publish date: 

Tuesday, January 01, 2019

Media Contact


Christina Zicklin, Director of External Communications

p: (310) 922-8522

[email protected]