The legendary Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers will be honored by Jewish Vocational Service at an Evening of Celebration on January 28, 2012 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Honorary Chair is Bob Graziano, Managing Partner of Northern Trust and former President of the LA Dodgers. A highlight of the event will be a VIP Cocktail Reception with Lasorda for major sponsors and their guests.

"I've always said there are three types of baseball players," says Lasorda. "Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happened! I like the first type, which is why I'm so pleased to be honored by JVS. They aren't sitting on the sidelines. They are helping thousands of people each year who are desperate to get back to work. They recognize talent and motivation and they nurture it in the right direction. We have that in common, because that's what I know best -- helping individual players, the team and everyone in the community of Los Angeles become winners."

The prestigious Dinner Committee includes former Dodger greats Eric Karros and Maury Wills, Dodgers Chief Revenue Officer Michael Young, President of Corniche Travel Anastasia Mann, President of Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. Mark Louchheim and former Dodgers VP of Human Resources David Walkley, currently an executive at JVS. The event will be chaired by Past JVS Board President Rick Powell, along with current President Jeffrey Paul and JVS Board Treasurer Jim Hausberg.

Said JVS CEO Vivian Seigel, "Tommy Lasorda embodies the heart of baseball and the heart of Los Angeles. As someone who inspires, nurtures and develops talent, he is a tremendous role model. At JVS, we are on the frontlines of the current economic crisis. Every day we see the heartbreaking toll long-term unemployment takes on families. Our expert team provides job training, mentoring, job search and placement support to help people get back to work and back on their feet. We are deeply grateful that Tommy has stepped forward to help us raise critically needed funds to continue this life changing work."

For more information on JVS' services or to register online for the event, visit www.jvsla.org or contact Randy Lapin at (323) 761-8598 or rlapin@jvsla.org.