Each year, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) hosts the Los Angeles Builders Ball® to recognize outstanding individuals and companies that are committed to revitalizing and transforming the landscape of Los Angeles. On September 28, I am fortunate enough to be honored with the organization’s Dream Builder Award for my work in the community as an individual and through the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. Before the Builders Ball, I wanted to make sure I had firsthand experience on the build site and joined Habitat LA to help build four homes in Long Beach, CA!
I had a great time as I spent several hours pounding nails alongside U.S. Navy personnel who were volunteering as part of LA Fleet Week, actor Glynn Turman, Habitat LA President and CEO, Erin Rank, and the families who are purchasing these affordable homes through Habitat LA. It was a long morning of hard work, but by the end you were able to see the tangible results of your labor and feel a connection with the families who are benefitting from your efforts
My family did not own the home I grew up in and building with Habitat LA brought back the emotions I experienced when I purchased my first home. I’m thrilled to work with Habitat LA in blessing other families with the gift of first-time homeownership. As a father of four, I’m especially touched that the children of Habitat LA homeowners will have a stable home to grow up in and an opportunity for a better future. Habitat gives families and kids a fighting chance. Home provides a solid foundation for life where kids can play, study and enjoy their families.
After my fighting career spanning 50 years, I feel blessed to partner with organizations like Habitat LA to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Giving back is not always about money. It’s about giving your spirit.
Habitat LA has built, renovated or repaired nearly 800 homes locally, helping to transform the lives of more than 4,000 Angelenos. By 2020, Habitat LA has a goal to invest $100 million into revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing access to affordable homeownership and home repair opportunities. This investment will benefit the local economy by building strong and stable homes in partnership with families, individuals, volunteers, municipalities and donors, which will bring strength and stability to local communities throughout greater Los Angeles. If you are interested in joining me in giving families and kids a fighting chance, visit: www.habitatla.org.
