Clayton Kershaw, Wife Ellen Speak To Congregation At Angelus Temple About Their Faith
ECHO PARK (CBSLA.com) — Wednesday night, on the field, he beat the Giants.
Thursday night, off the field, Dodgers hurler Clayton Kershaw showed why -- when it comes to giving -- he is something of a giant and in a league of his own.
The Dodgers great (a shoo-in for this season's Cy Young award as the league's best pitcher and possibly the rare hurler who might also win the NL's MVP award, as well) was a guest speaker at the Angelus Temple in Echo Park.
Kershaw spoke, as did his wife Ellen, about their major charity works, giving back and the couple's faith.
KCAL9's Serene Branson was in the temple to hear the Kershaws inspirational and moving message. They both talked about how faith is an integral part of their lives.
Angelus Temple is the home of The Dream Center, a non-profit that Clayton and his wife Ellen have supported financially through their charity Kershaw's Challenge.
"I don't think it's coincidence, I got to pitch last night, clinch the division title to be here tonight, to talk about Jesus in our lives," Clayton told the congregation.
Clayton has taken on The Dream Center's Transitional Family Housing program to help homeless families in the Los Angeles area.
"We house 30 families that would be homeless at Dream Center -- they completely sponsor this program they're helping families stay together," said Dream Center Director Jonathan Martinez.
The Dream Center helps thousands of inner-city residents with their needs, physical and spiritual. This past Mother's Day, Ellen led a team of Dodger's wives for an event giving moms a day of food, supplies and gently-used clothing.
The Kershaws are also known for the tireless work they do in Africa with orphans.
"He's doing much greater things than striking people out," Ellen said.
"I'm not sure why God chose me. He could have given a lot of people talent to throw a baseball," he says modestly.
The Dream Center provides GED training, shelter, food and job training, to those in need. Besides the LA chapter, there are now more than 100 Dream Centers around the country, including New York City and St. Louis.
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