--- title: Honouring Three Decades of Making Youth Sports Possible and the Power of Creating a Better Future description: "WSA Gala at the Beverly Hilton: Roy Firestone honoured for 30 years – funding youth sports for children in underserved Los Angeles neighbourhoods." author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2025-11-05T11:48:48.000Z updated: 2026-10-25T09:25:44.640Z canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/honouring-three-decades-of-making-youth-sports-possible-and-the-power-of-creating-a-better-fu image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/hv3c8q1ermo.jpg categories: Philanthropic Minds content_type: News region: California publication: Rich Woman Magazine about: - type: Person name: Allyson Felix --- The impact of this year’s annual WSA Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel carries special significance. For three decades, this event has served as more than just Los Angeles’ premier sports fundraiser – it’s been the lifeline providing real support to youth sports programmes in neighbourhoods where resources are scarce and opportunities even scarcer. At the heart of it all stands a network of volunteers and one honouree whose unwavering commitment has lasted thirty years. ## The Foundation That Four Friends Built Westcoast Sports Associates began in 1995 when four college friends – Mike Gottlieb, Mike Rosenberg, Allen Lynch and W. Chip Eggers – recognised something troubling about their city. Thousands of economically disadvantaged children across [Southern California lacked access to youth sports](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-10-19/westcoast-sports-associates-helping-la-youth), missing out on the positive reinforcement and direction that recreational activities provide. What started as conversations between friends became a nearly all-volunteer nonprofit with a simple mission: making youth sports possible. Thirty years later, WSA has awarded nearly $4 million to community partners, with [annual grants exceeding $250,000](https://www.westcoastsports.org/) supporting approximately 23 youth sports programmes. The annual gala remains their only major fundraiser, making each October gathering crucial for the communities they serve. ## The Roy Firestone Story: From First Recipient to Lasting Legacy When WSA established its community service award in 1996, veteran sports broadcaster Roy Firestone became the first recipient. His connection to the cause ran deeper than celebrity endorsement – it was personal. Within a year, the award bore his name, based on what co-founder Mike Gottlieb now reflects as ‘his true heart that’s made such a perpetual impact’. ‘We started this charity 30 years ago, benefitting dozens of communities that are underserved in the sports and recreation world,’ said Firestone, the [seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Firestone). ‘The fact that WSA wishes to honour me after 30 years is very humbling and makes me very proud. We’ll have some great stories to tell and some reflections of my career. I hope you’ll come join us.’ Gottlieb’s admiration for Firestone’s sustained commitment is evident: ‘From the moment Roy embraced this little non-profit, the trajectory of our WSA vision took off. His media reach and influence in the sports world matters, but his true heart has made such a perpetual impact. His passion for WSA, among many charitable causes, reflects the great character we’re celebrating on 18 October.’ ### A Prestigious Circle of Sports Legends The [Roy Firestone Award](https://www.westcoastsports.org/the-roy-firestone-award) has since recognised a pantheon of sports greatness, including Jim Brown, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and USC’s Pete Carroll. Olympic champion Allyson Felix made history as the first woman to receive the honour, joining this distinguished group recognised for their humanitarian contributions through sports. ## A Night That Goes Beyond the Usual Fundraiser This year’s gala promises something special beyond the typical fundraising event. Close friend and LA television icon Steve Edwards will host the evening, turning the interview table on Firestone himself. ‘I think it will be very fun, revealing, and maybe even inspiring,’ Firestone noted about their anticipated banter. The event creates a unique atmosphere where sports legends, local communities and families benefiting from WSA grants converge. [Like other memorable charity galas](https://richwoman.co/article/beyond-the-runway-from-fbi-to-fashion-a-force-for-good-as-purpose-meets-couture), it’s this blend of celebrity presence and genuine community connection that makes the evening meaningful. ## Where Every Dollar Counts Behind the glamour lies WSA’s practical mission. The organisation [funds city recreation centres and nonprofits](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-4566748) throughout underserved neighbourhoods, covering costs so no child faces exclusion due to family income constraints. Their grants support operating shortfalls and scholarships, ensuring programmes continue each season for multiple age groups. The focus remains on children aged 5-12 in areas like South and East Los Angeles, where WSA’s partnerships with community leaders enable ongoing programming that [promotes sports participation](https://richwoman.co/article/messi-princess-of-asturias-award), character education and positive youth development. ## Real Stories, Real Impact The true measure of WSA’s success lives in the [community impact stories](https://vimeo.com/album/3783380) from programmes they support. These aren’t statistics about funding – they’re stories about family-friendly environments that keep children engaged in positive activities, away from negative pathways that too often claim young lives in underserved communities. Over 25 years of operation, WSA has demonstrated that volunteer-driven organisations can create lasting change when commitment remains consistent. [Similar philanthropic efforts](https://richwoman.co/article/record-breaking-philanthropic-gala-marks-new-era-in-military-family-support) show how the nearly all-volunteer structure means donations go directly to programming rather than administrative overhead. ## Celebrating Sustained Service As October approaches, this year’s gala represents recognition of what sustained volunteer commitment can achieve. [Community-driven fundraising events](https://richwoman.co/article/music-community-and-martial-arts-champion-a-surge-in-resilience-focused-fundraising) like these demonstrate the quiet power of showing up, year after year, for causes that matter. Roy Firestone’s three decades with WSA show how individual dedication can create ripple effects that touch thousands of lives. ‘Thanks for your interest and for helping make youth sports possible,’ Firestone concluded, embodying the humble approach that has characterised his involvement from the beginning.