United Way’s HomeWalk Brings 10,000 Angelenos Together

On Saturday, November 17, Kobe Bryant served as Honorary Chair of United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ HomeWalk for the second straight year. Bryant welcomed approximately 10,000 eager participants to Exposition Park for UWGLA’s sixth annual 5K run/walk to end homelessness.

Take a look at a video recap of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTEDAYOOWFk

Bryant emphasized the importance of teamwork and rallying family, friends and colleagues around such a worthy cause: “We understand the significance of being here,” he said. “It’s to inspire others to join forces with us to eradicate homelessness. Let’s embrace this challenge and let’s do it together!”

Funds raised by HomeWalk 2012 will go twice as far thanks to a generous grant from the Hilton Foundation which matches all contributions of $100 or more. Every last penny of the proceeds is to be invested in the development and implementation of permanent housing solutions for local families, military veterans and the chronically homeless.

According to UWGLA President and CEO Elise Buik, the sheer scale of today’s event was not only reassuring – it represented a huge step in the right direction.

“To have thousands of people stand up and say, ‘We will end homelessness’ is inspiring and a true testament to what is possible in our community,” she said. “With the help of a champion like Kobe Bryant and all of our participants, along with the public, private, nonprofit, business, government, faith and philanthropic sectors, we’ll be able to house countless homeless individuals. And that’s what it really comes down to: getting people off the streets.”

PHOTO: CHARLIE LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY