Dodgers, Students, and a City Rebuild Together After Wildfire

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Catching Hope Foundation partner with Palisades Marquez Charter Elementary to uplift students and teachers as the campus recovers from fire damage.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:18am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a baseball glove and bat repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic symbols of America's pastime in a modern pop art style.The Dodgers' ongoing commitment to supporting the recovery of communities impacted by wildfires is reflected in their partnership with Marquez Charter Elementary, bringing joy and opportunity to students through the power of sports.Los Angeles Today

In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Catching Hope Foundation have stepped in to support Palisades Marquez Charter Elementary School. Through initiatives like a day of baseball and STEM learning at Dodger Stadium, the unveiling of new art installations, and playground activities with Dodger players, the organizations are helping to uplift students and teachers as the campus continues to rebuild.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' ongoing commitment to the Marquez community reflects a broader shift in how Los Angeles is approaching disaster recovery - through public-private partnerships, shared accountability, and sustained investment. As the city prepares to host the LA28 Olympics, these efforts demonstrate how sports organizations can play a key role in supporting community resilience and long-term healing.

The details

On a campus still marked by temporary classrooms and reduced enrollment, the Dodgers and Catching Hope Foundation brought joy and possibility to the Marquez students. Dodger catcher Will Smith surprised the students with two announcements - an invitation to Dodger Stadium for a day of baseball and STEM learning, and tickets to a Dodgers game. The visit also included the unveiling of new art installations designed to brighten the transitional spaces on campus. Through these initiatives, the organizations are meeting the students where they are and showing them what's possible.

  • On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Dodgers and Catching Hope Foundation visited Marquez Charter Elementary School.
  • More than a year after the Palisades Fire, Marquez remains a campus in progress with about 130 students currently enrolled, roughly half of pre-fire levels.

The players

Will Smith

Dodger catcher and co-founder of the Catching Hope Foundation.

Lisa Timmerman

Principal of Marquez Charter Elementary School.

Kristin McCowan

Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Allison Holdorff Polhill

District Director and Senior Advisor for LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin.

Sadie Jefferson

Executive Director of the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“For a couple hours, we're going to play on the field. It's going to be a really fun day.”

— Will Smith, Dodger catcher and co-founder of the Catching Hope Foundation

“This sense of community coming together is what we've learned through all of this. The outreach we receive daily is almost overwhelming. It shows that people want to help, you just have to let them know what you need.”

— Lisa Timmerman, Principal of Marquez Charter Elementary School

“We wanted to ensure these students could experience joy and connection. We want to remind them that we're not going anywhere – this support will continue as the community rebuilds.”

— Kristin McCowan, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers

“To see these students, on a campus still rebuilding, being celebrated like this – it's inspirational. They are resilient. But there is still healing happening. Moments like this remind them what's possible.”

— Allison Holdorff Polhill, District Director and Senior Advisor for LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin

“This is a long game. We've served thousands of families, but the need continues. What's meaningful is that partners are still showing up, not just at the beginning, but now.”

— Sadie Jefferson, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation

What’s next

The Dodgers will host the Marquez students for a day of baseball and STEM learning at Dodger Stadium in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ongoing commitment to the Marquez community reflects a broader shift in how Los Angeles is approaching disaster recovery - through public-private partnerships, shared accountability, and sustained investment. As the city prepares to host the LA28 Olympics, these efforts demonstrate how sports organizations can play a key role in supporting community resilience and long-term healing.