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Smokey Robinson Swings for the Midnight Mission (Santa Clarita)

Motown legend and music icon, Smokey Robinson came in swinging.  It's the second annual Smokey Robinson Invitational to benefit the Midnight Mission.  The event facilitated at Valencia Country Club, hosted twenty sports, music, and television celebrities for an exciting day in Santa Clarita.

"This is not a tournament for skilled golfers necessarily," says Robinson. It's just for people to enjoy themselves and support the Midnight Mission."

"We're part of the community. We want to help out anyway we can and if it's showing up to sign some autographs and play a round of golf with some guys, that's a good thing, "said LA Dodgers' Steve Yeager, Baseball Hall of Fame recipient.

According to directors, the Midnight Mission is the oldest service organization in Southern California, opening its doors on Skid Row in 1914.  The Mission provides emergency services such as food, clothing, and shelter while providing long-term services which include job training and recovery programs - without government subsidizing.

"As an agency that doesn't rely on government support to do its work, these are really important events for us," said Larry Adamson, president and CEO of the Midnight Mission.

How has the Midnight Mission helped people get back on track?

"I came in 1999, homeless and addicted to drugs.  And the Midnight Mission helped me get my life recreated. So I'm 16 years sober, program manager at the Mission, have a family, and doing regular things. So I'm eternally grateful to the Midnight Mission for helping me," says Ron Holmes.

The organization operates a Skid Row facility accommodating 250 men and an Inglewood facility for women and children, transferring families off of Skid Row.

The Smokey Robinson second annual invitational generated $140,000 to benefit the cause.  According to directors, 80% of contributions go directly to client services and 20% to operational and administration costs.

"We help people because they need help and when there's no other motives, the passion and energy is real," said Ryan Navales, media relations for the Mission.

"It's a chance for me to kind of contribute to giving back to the community and giving back to help other people who haven't been successful in their lives or have had some difficulties and this is a great way to contribute," says Don Buford, Baseball Triple Hall of Fame recipient. "

Other celebrities came out to support their friend, Smokey Robinson.

"When I got the call from Smokey, I was there," said Johnny Gill of singing group New Edition. "He's my hero. When I look at people like him who have been here and paved the way for people like myself,  people like him, they lead by example," he said.

"To make a difference in someone else's life, no matter how big or small it is, it's the thought that counts," says Olympic gold medalist and six-time world boxing champion, Sugar Ray Leonard.

Looking ahead, the third annual Smokey Robinson Invitational is set for Monday, June 13, 2016 at Valencia Country Club.  Mark your calendar early and start swinging to support this premiere Santa Clarita celebrity event.

Camera: Bob Locke, Gloria Locke
Edit/Report: Gloria Locke

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Smile Club Benefits MFFO (Santa Clarita)

Valencia High Smile Club is causing a global outbreak of smiles and laughter from Santa Clarita to Kenya.

When Andrew Flores became co-president of the Smile Club at Valencia High School this year, he quickly sought to establish the mission of bringing smiles to the community and the world. His research led him to Rocky Turner, co-founder of Mothers Fighting for Others, a Santa Clarita based non-profit providing education for children in Kenya. 

"He's like the mastermind behind all of this," said Smile Club co-president, Gracie Rusk. "I think it is such a great opportunity, not only for Smile Club in the community in Santa Clarita, but also for the girls in Kenya."

Flores took it upon himself to contact other clubs including Valencia High Dance, the Valencia High and Saugus High Improv Club, and other students to perform songs, dance, and comedy in an effort to raise money and awareness for MFFO.  Tickets and refreshments were sold at the Thursday night event, proceeds benefitting the cause.

"As the new Smile Club presidents, our mission is to help the community, serve local charities, and just try to make the world a better place," said Flores.  "It was really touching to know that I could help a little kid out there in Kenya," he said.

Mothers Fighting for Others co-founder, Rocky Turner, would travel to Kenya herself to implement the learning process and raising thousands of dollars for the education of over 40 students, a very dangerous undertaking escalated by recent tensions in the country. 

"I'm amazed that you put all of your talents together, from singing to dancing just to make people laugh," said Turner to the Smile Club presidents during the event.

The student-organized arts in education event not only brings smiles to kids in Kenya, but also encourages local students and residents to be kind to one another.

"It's so important to just be nice to people.  It's such a simple thing and it's so small but kindness goes a long way," says improv performer, Gabriella Shaffer.

The Smile Club raised over $800 for the cause.

"I'm not part of like a big organization but I feel really humbled that I can do something that I enjoy to really help others," said vocalist and guitarist, Edward Kim.

More smiles to come?

"I 100% believe in using your talents to move forward and help the world.  So I definitely believe I'll do this in the future and I'll continue to help whoever I can help," says improv performer, Olivia McAtee.