All Worthy and Welcome – Rafu Shimpo
bringing Joy to Skid Row: Nonprofit Throws Monthly Birthday Parties for Unhoused Children
Table of Contents
Los Angeles, CA – In a city grappling with a growing unhoused population, Mary Davis is determined to bring moments of joy and normalcy to the lives of children experiencing homelessness. Since 2013, Davis and her husband, Ari Kadin, have been organizing monthly birthday parties for children residing at the Union Rescue Mission, the only Downtown Los Angeles shelter that welcomes families.
Through their nonprofit, Worthy of Love L.A. (WoL), Davis and Kadin transform the shelter’s common area into a festive celebration space, complete with decorations, music, and of course, cake.
“these kids deserve to feel special and celebrated, just like any other child,” says Davis. “We wont to create a space where they can forget about their worries for a few hours and just have fun.”
Little Tokyo Brings Holiday Cheer to Hundreds of Homeless Children
Los Angeles, CA – The spirit of giving shone brightly in Little Tokyo on November 21st as the neighborhood hosted its fifth annual holiday party for children and families experiencing homelessness.
What began as a small gathering on the roof of the Union Rescue Mission (URM) has blossomed into a beloved tradition, thanks to a partnership between the Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA) and the URM’s Women of L.A. (WoL) initiative. This year, the celebration expanded to include families from Hope Gardens in Sylmar, Angeles House in South L.A., and Salvation Army Westwood Transition Village, with four buses transporting over 300 guests to the Terasaki Budokan.
“We rarely hear about the impact that the homelessness crisis has on children, but it’s time we start,” said LTBA board member and event organizer, [Name withheld]. “In 2020, LTBA and WoL partnered for the first time. The party became an annual event and opened the door to a long-standing partnership designed to create uplifting experiences for families and children experiencing homelessness. Each party has been unique, featuring everything from a petting zoo to lion dancers to pop music-infused ondo dancing.”
The festive atmosphere was palpable as children enjoyed games, crafts, and a flavorful meal. A highlight of the event was a special appearance by Hello Kitty, who celebrated her 50th anniversary with the children.
[Image: Children enjoying the party at the Terasaki Budokan]
This year’s event marked a notable milestone for the LTBA, which established the Little Tokyo Legacy Foundation (LTLF) in 2020 as a charitable arm to support educational, cultural, and community benefit programs.The annual holiday party exemplifies the foundation’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
“It’s heartwarming to see the joy on the children’s faces,” said [Name withheld], president of the LTBA. “This event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back.”
The success of the Little Tokyo holiday party serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of those facing adversity.
Hip-Hop Meets Calligraphy at Little Tokyo Community Holiday party
Los Angeles, CA - Over 350 children, parents, and volunteers gathered in Little Tokyo on November 21st for a festive holiday party hosted by the Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA). The event, a vibrant celebration of community and the holiday season, featured a unique blend of conventional and modern entertainment.
The LTBA holiday party brought together families and community members for a day of fun and festivities.
One of the highlights of the event was a performance by Kuniharu Yoshida, a performance artist who seamlessly blended traditional shodo (calligraphy) with modern hip-hop moves.Yoshida’s innovative performance captivated the audience, showcasing the beauty and dynamism of both art forms.
“It was amazing to see how Kuniharu combined these two seemingly different styles,” said one attendee. ”It was truly unique and inspiring.”
Wesley Nishinaka served as emcee, keeping the energy high and coordinating the stage program.the party also featured a variety of other activities, including face painting, balloon sculpting, and sketch artists, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The LTBA holiday party served as a reminder of the strong sense of community that exists in Little Tokyo. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and holiday cheer, bringing together families and neighbors to celebrate the season.
Little Tokyo Celebrates Community Spirit at Annual Holiday Party
Los Angeles,CA – The spirit of giving and togetherness filled Little Tokyo last weekend as the community gathered for the annual Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA) holiday party. Held at the historic Japanese American National Museum, the event brought together residents, business owners, and volunteers for an evening of festive cheer and shared celebration.
[image of Kuniharu Yoshida at the LTBA party]
Kuniharu Yoshida, a longtime Little Tokyo resident and community leader, was honored for his tireless dedication to the neighborhood. Yoshida, known for his warm smile and unwavering commitment to service, has been a driving force behind numerous community initiatives.
“It’s truly humbling to be recognized by my community,” Yoshida said. “Little Tokyo is more than just a place; it’s a family.We support each other, celebrate together, and work together to make this a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.”
The evening featured a delicious dinner catered by Don Tahara of First Street Cuisine, followed by a sweet treat of L.A.mochi dessert courtesy of Brian Kito of Fugetsudo.
The LTBA party also served as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of local organizations and volunteers. Representatives from Bee a Little Better, Skid Rowkyo, Little Tokyo Dance Club, Centenary United methodist Church, LTBA, Little Tokyo Los Angeles Film Festival (LTLF), and the Budokan staff were all recognized for their invaluable work in enriching the community.
ron Wakabayashi and Budokan Director Ryan Lee were also singled out for their ongoing support of Little Tokyo initiatives.
The event highlighted the strong sense of community that defines Little Tokyo, a neighborhood where residents and businesses come together to create a welcoming and vibrant space for all.
This text provides a heartwarming look at various community initiatives aimed at bringing joy to unhoused children in Los Angeles.
Here’s a breakdown:
The first section focuses on Mary Davis and Ari Kadin and their non-profit Worthy of Love LA (WoL).
They organize monthly birthday parties for children residing at the Union Rescue Mission, the only downtown LA shelter accepting families.
They transform the shelter’s common area into a festive space with decorations, music, and cake.
Their goal is to give these children a sense of normalcy and celebration.
The second section describes a large holiday party hosted by the Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA) and the Union Rescue mission’s Women of LA (WoL) initiative.
Held annually, the event has expanded to include families from multiple shelters, bringing together over 300 people.
Highlights include games, crafts, a festive meal, and a special appearance by Hello Kitty.
LTBA established the Little Tokyo Legacy Foundation (LTLF) to support such initiatives,showcasing their commitment to community upliftment.
The third section describes the same LTBA holiday party but focuses on the unique blend of entertainment offered:
This section highlights the fusion of traditional and modern elements, like hip-hop music alongside calligraphy demonstrations.
This suggests a conscious effort to create a culturally inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all attendees.
These stories highlight several significant themes:
The power of community: Local organizations and individuals are coming together to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
Bringing joy to difficult circumstances: These events offer a moment of escape and happiness for children facing challenging situations.
* The importance of inclusion: The efforts to create culturally diverse and accessible events demonstrate a desire to reach everyone in the community.
By showcasing these initiatives, the text emphasizes the positive impact that individuals and organizations can have on the lives of others and inspires readers to consider getting involved in similar efforts.