Two Los Angeles Lakers legends recently helped make the holiday season a bit brighter for kids from California’s Inland Empire region.
Former Lakers teammates A. C. Green and Robert Horry were on hand for Pechanga Resorts Casino’s Holiday of Hope event, greeting more than 400 underserved children from Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, and other nearby communities.
“Every year I come it’s just fantastic,” Green said in a statement. “Just seeing what they’re doing and how Pechanga has done just great in the community. Understanding people, their needs, knowing it’s the season, yes, but all year round. They’re always reaching out seeing how they can help and do more. So, I always love coming here, and working with them throughout the year.”
In addition to gifts, the children were provided a traditional holiday meal, rode a train, listened to Christmas carols, and played holiday bingo. Their families were also given a $100 gift card.
“The Holiday of Hope event is something we look forward to hosting each year.” said Pechanga Development Corporation President Andrew Masiel Sr. in a statement. “So many smiling faces shows us the event brightens a lot of people’s lives here in our region. We understand how important holiday memories are for children as they grow up and how special they can be. The Temecula Valley is our home, so to be able to give back and to partner with our local school districts to show these children and families that people are out there who care a lot about their well-being, this is what the holidays are all about.”
Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians.
