City Year Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and schools, recently celebrated its 13th Annual Spring Break benefit at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
This event not only showcased the organization’s commitment to education but also highlighted the generosity and advocacy of its supporters. City Year‘s mission is to help students thrive in school and beyond by providing holistic support through diverse teams of AmeriCorps members. These members work closely with students, classrooms, and entire school communities, fostering academic success and nurturing the next generation of civically engaged leaders. With operations in 29 communities across the United States and international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa, City Year has made a significant impact on education worldwide.
The Spring Break benefit, a cornerstone event for City Year Los Angeles, drew over 600 guests, including community leaders, business figures, celebrities such as Octavia Spencer, Collins Key, Yvette Nicole Brown, Madison Pettis, influencers, families, and AmeriCorps members. The evening was a vibrant celebration of philanthropy and commitment to education, featuring food, entertainment, and opportunities to support City Year’s vital work. One of the evening’s highlights was the honoring of City Year Los Angeles co-founders and philanthropists Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman. Their passion, advocacy, and financial contributions have been instrumental in establishing and sustaining City Year Los Angeles since its inception in 2007. Thanks to their dedication, City Year Los Angeles has become one of the largest City Year sites in the nation, positively impacting thousands of students across L.A.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 04: John Legend performs onstage during attends City Year LA’s Spring Break at SoFi Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for City Year LA’s Spring Break)
Andrew Hauptman, Chairman of Andell Holdings, and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman were presented with the “Service to a Cause Greater Than Self” award by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. This recognition underscored their tireless efforts to support public education and their unwavering commitment to the children of Los Angeles. The event also featured a special musical performance by the acclaimed artist John Legend, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the evening. Legend, an EGOT-winner, and philanthropist lent his talents to support City Year’s mission of empowering students and fostering educational success.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 04: (L-R) Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, presents an award to honorees Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman onstage during City Year LA’s Spring Break at SoFi Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for City Year LA’s Spring Break)
Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to moving speeches by City Year Executive Director Dr. Sandra Cano, event co-chairs Erik Feig and Dwight Caines, and City Year student success coaches Victoria Figueroa and Bianca Samayoa. These inspirational voices highlighted the transformative impact of City Year’s programs and the importance of community support in creating positive change in education. The success of the 13th Annual Spring Break benefit is a testament to the unwavering dedication of City Year Los Angeles and its supporters. By raising over $2.4 million, the event will enable City Year to continue its vital work of empowering students, supporting schools, and building a brighter future for the next generation. As City Year continues to expand its reach and impact, events like the Spring Break benefit serve as powerful reminders of the collective effort needed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.