Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw speaks with Dodgers’ reporter David Vassegh and pitcher Michael Grove at the 10th annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose event. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

LOS ANGELES - Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrities, and legends of LA gathered at Chavez Ravine last Thursday to take part in the 10th annual Kershaw’s Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose event.

The fundraiser benefitted several organizations, including The Dream Center, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Arise Africa, Both Ends Believing, International Justice Mission and Hope Walks. It was hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and actor Max Greenfield.

Kershaw’s Challenge is a faith-based nonprofit organization established in 2011 by Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen with the mission of serving vulnerable, at-risk children both local and abroad.

Energy was high on the Dodger’s off day as guests started to arrive and take to the blue carpet. Already a long-established tradition in Los Angeles, this year’s event included a poker tournament for the first time ever.

When it came time for ping-pong, competitors paired off into teams of two.

An already effective battery on the field, Kershaw teamed with Dodger catcher Austin Barnes.

“Barnsey and I are going to be a good team, I’m not going to sugar-coat that. We’re going to be solid,” said Kershaw.

Former World Wrestling Entertainment champion and reality TV star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin was extremely confident, guaranteeing success barring the arrival of one fictional character.

“Is Forrest Gump playing? Because if Forrest Gump isn’t playing then I have no problem with anyone,” he said.

Lakers legend Derek Fisher, who teamed with Metta Sandiford-Artest, struck a more assured, yet conservative tone before play started.

“The last time we teamed up, we went all the way,” said Fisher. “Hopefully we’ll try to figure that out tonight.”

Amongst Dodger players, reliever Brusdar Graterol was a popular pick to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.

“I think Brusdar is pretty good. He does some stuff under the table, it’s a little weird; it’s hard to play against,” said pitcher Michael Grove.

“I think of time spent on the table, Graterol might be up there,” said rookie outfielder James Outman. “I think Graterol is good, just watching him play.”

Outman added, however, that “Mookie [Betts] is good at everything,” a sentiment that was later shared by relief pitcher Yency Almonte.

The final table would come down to all Dodger blue, pitting Kershaw and Barnes against the team of Betts and Dodger first baseman Freddie Freeman. Ultimately, it was the latter who would take the bracket.

It was the overall cause, however, that was the ultimate winner.

“It’s been amazing. Every year it gets bigger and better, we continue to get to raise more money,” said Kershaw. “Ultimately, it’s not about Ellen or I, or any of us. It’s about how many people come out and support it, between teammates, celebrities, different beneficiaries.

“The coolest thing is that the money is going to something that really matters, it’s going to kids that really need it… Ultimately, it just signifies us getting to raise money for something that matters. That’s the coolest part, and all these people here to support it is just icing on the cake.”

Kershaw’s Challenge holds 10th annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose tournament