On October 5, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, now in our 87th year of dedication to youth, will host our annual “Bids for Kids” gala at the Sonesta Hotel in Redondo Beach, recognizing the following three outstanding alumni and an amazing long-term volunteer/donor.
Joe Amalfitano. (photo provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of the L.A. Harbor)
JOE AMALFITANO: An active Boys Club member, especially in sports, Joe became one of baseball’s first “bonus babies” when he joined the New York Giants in 1954 and was a member of their World Series team. That began an amazing eight-decade career and 67 years in professional baseball.
Besides being a player from 1954-1967, Joe’s career included being the manager of the Chicago Cubs, third base coach for the L.A. Dodgers for 16 years (which included their 1988 World Series championship), and he served as a special assistant in player development for the Giants organization during their 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series seasons.
His dedication and contributions to baseball, from his early days in San Pedro to his pivotal roles with top MLB teams, reflect a remarkable journey and an enduring legacy.
Misty Copeland. (photo provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of the L.A. Harbor)
MISTY COPELAND: Early in my career, my team noted this young girl teaching older members impressive dance steps at the club. In response, I hired Cindy Bradley and the San Pedro City Ballet to teach ballet in our gym.
Misty joined the classes, and her ability to quickly master several ballet moves was most evident, resulting in her transitioning to the ballet center, which began her pathway to a globally recognized career.
Misty is now a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the first Black woman to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history in 2015.
She’s also performed on Broadway, has appeared in several TV shows and films, was profiled on 60 Minutes, and is a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
In 2022, Misty launched The Misty Copeland Foundation to bring greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to dance. She’s had a worldwide impact and is a great role model for countless girls and women across the globe.
Peter Gravett. (photo provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of the L.A. Harbor)
PETER GRAVETT: Major General (retired) Peter Gravett became a club kid while attending Dana Middle School and currently serves on our board of directors.
In his early adult career, he simultaneously served in the Army National Guard as a commissioned officer and in the LAPD as a watch commander. He is the recipient of LAPD’s highest award, the Medal of Valor.
Upon retirement from police service, he returned to full-time U.S. Army duty. Before retiring from the Army National Guard, General Gravett served as commander of the 40th Infantry Division from 1999 (when he was promoted to major general) to 2002, becoming the first African-American division commander in the 225-year history of the United States Army National Guard.
General Gravett has also authored three books, including his most recent, Battling While Black. He’s had an amazing life and is a true American hero.
Yvonne Bogdanovich. (photo provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of the L.A. Harbor)
YVONNE BOGDANOVICH: Yvonne is the first board member I recruited in 1995. Within a year, we initiated our annual “Bids for Kids” fundraising gala, and Yvonne became our first event chair and continued to chair the event through 2017.
Yvonne is now in her 30th year as a member of our board of directors and has been an organization leader and most generous donor every year.
In 2011, Yvonne provided a transformational gift to the organization, which established the much-needed Yvonne Bogdanovich Middle School Center.
In 2018, Yvonne co-chaired our comprehensive campaign, which raised $10 million to fund capital projects, expand programming, and establish maintenance and operations reserves.
Yvonne is directly involved in and/or financially supports many other organizations. The local ones of note are the San Pedro Peninsula Cancer Guild, Beacon House Association of San Pedro, and Mary Star of the Sea High School.
By exemplifying a life of giving and leadership for others who need a helping hand, Yvonne was an easy selection as a member of our first Hall of Fame class. spt
