In its commitment to leave behind a positive social impact on the local and international level, Hit Song® Productions, host of the Argentina versus Chile soccer match on Sept 5th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, has selected two nonprofits who will be direct beneficiaries of Hit Song’s community efforts during the much-anticipated event – Homeboy Industries and Operation Smile.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries provides hope and job training for formerly gang involved and previously incarcerated men and women so they can redirect their lives and become contributing members of society. Operation Smile is an international medical nonprofit based in the U.S. that has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in low-and-middle income countries who are born with a cleft palate.
Both non-profit organizations will be able to utilize this popular match to raise awareness and funds for their charitable efforts. Each organization will be on site to interact with attendees and provide information regarding their work. Hit Song® Productions will also give both agencies the opportunity of briefly outlining their work during halftime. In addition, Hit Song® Productions is planning to host a fun and interactive halftime event to benefit these incredible organizations called “Goal Kick for Charity”. Participants representing each charity will kick a soccer ball the length of the field to an open net; every goal scored will result in a donation to the organization who made the goal.
Rodger Champagne, owner of Hit Song® Productions, said: “This is an inaugural mega sporting and entertainment event that marks the launch of Hit Song® Productions' U.S. operations, and we couldn't do it without supporting the communities that are opening their doors to us. We're excited to play even a small part in championing what these amazing organizations do in Los Angeles and around the world, and we're honored to join forces with them.”
“What an honor that Homeboy Industries is the chosen local charity partner for the upcoming friendly between Argentina and Chile at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It means a great deal to us having our work highlighted with these two iconic teams playing in such an iconic venue. On behalf of Homeboy Industries, and the thousands of people who come through our doors working to change their lives and find the best version of themselves, we thank all of the fans and organizers of this match for partnering with us to make a difference, support our work and create safer communities,” said Tom Vozzo, CEO, Homeboy Industries.
“In as few as the 45 minutes it takes to play a half of a soccer match, a child can receive a cleft surgery that will forever change the course of their life, which is why we are thrilled to be a beneficiary of the upcoming friendly match between Argentina and Chile. We know the key to raising support to help more children is elevating public awareness of Operation Smile’s mission. There are many ways to help us help those in need and we are grateful for the opportunity this game provides to introduce new supporters and volunteers to Operation Smile, and encourage them to get involved,” said Kendra Davenport, Chief Development Officer, Operation Smile.
About Hit Song® Productions
Hit Song® Productions is a US-based subsidiary of Champagne Productions Corporation based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and is engaged in television, media and event production and development. For the past 25 years, Champagne Productions Corporation has largely been involved in music and event production throughout Canada. More recently it has branched out into the development of a wider range of media properties from radio and podcasts to music videos and television shows as it has begun operations through its U.S. arm, Hit Song® Productions. For more information visit hitsongproductions.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @hitsongpro.
About Operation Smile
Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of safe surgeries for those born with cleft lip and cleft palate. With more than three decades of expertise, Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver free surgery to people where it’s needed most. As one of the largest medical volunteer-based nonprofits, Operation Smile has mobilized thousands of medical volunteers from a wide range of medical specialties from more than 80 countries. Operation Smile engages public-private partnerships to advance health care delivery, train local medical professionals to provide surgical care for patients in their communities, donate crucial medical equipment and supplies, and increase access to surgical care so that everyone living with cleft is treated. Visit www.operationsmile.org, find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries is the largest and preeminent gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. For 30 years, the organization has offered an “exit ramp” for those stuck in a cycle of violence and incarceration, helping them develop the strength and skills to transform their lives and become contributing members of our community. The organization's holistic approach, with free services and programs, supports nearly 9,000 men and women per year as they work to overcome their pasts, reimagine their futures, and break the intergenerational cycle of gang violence. Therapeutic and educational offerings (case management, counseling, and classes), practical services (e.g., tattoo removal, work readiness, and legal assistance), and job training-focused businesses (e.g., Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Café & Catering, and Homeboy Electronics Recycling) provide healing and alternatives to gang life, while creating more inclusive and healthier communities.
