Dodgers Honor Community Leaders through MLB

As part of the “PEOPLE All-Stars Among Us” campaign put on by Major League Baseball, PEOPLE magazine and the Dodgers, three LA-based community leaders have been selected as finalists.

Each MLB Club has three featured finalists which were selected from the online submissions of thousands of fans across North America.  Through June 20, fans are being encouraged to vote for their favorite community “All-Stars.”  At the conclusion of the voting period, one “All-Star” will be selected per Club and introduced during the pre-game festivities at the 2010 All-Star Game on July 13.  One of the final 30 will also be featured in PEOPLE.

Here’s a little additional information on the three LA finalists (from the Dodgers’ official press release):

The three Dodger finalists include Zaid Gayle of Los Angeles, Zachary Kidd of Burbank and Alma Martinez of Redondo Beach. 

Gayle founded Peace4Kids, a nonprofit providing programs and services for foster and at-risk youth ages 5 to 24.  More than 1,500 youth in Los Angeles neighborhoods have benefited from the organization’s programs, which include life skills training, mentorship and classes in the arts.

Kidd together with friends launched Goma Ventures, a micro-loan program for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Goma Ventures’ loans empower Congolese women to start their own businesses and ultimately increase their families’ financial security.

Martinez founded Amigos sin Barreras/Friends without Barriers 16 years ago. Founded to honor her son, this organization serves low-income HIV-positive Los Angeles residents with medical care, food and social engagement. Her mission is to prevent the spread of and provide quality services for people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Ok, Dodger fans, get your vote in for these deserving community leaders!