The 1st Annual Holiday Ball transformed Da Vinci Schools into a vibrant celebration of basketball, community, and charitable giving. From youth clinics to professional games, the event showcased some of the best of Los Angeles’s basketball culture while supporting our youth development program initiatives.
The inaugural Holiday Ball, hosted by Great Gain Athletics Association Inc., brought together of full day of community spirit and basketball excellence in an unforgettable charity event at Da Vinci Schools on December 15, 2024.
THE IMPACT
What began as a celebratory community event to relaunch our organization post-pandemic transformed into something more profound—the incredible people who stepped up and showed out without hesitation reaffirmed our belief in the power of sports to unite people for a greater cause.
-Tricia, Co-Founder & President
Pictured with guest host Mouthpiece. | Photo Credit: DHAT
REACH
BACK.
GUIDE FORWARD.
The event kicked off with an engaging youth basketball clinic led by volunteer coaches from both professional and college levels.
Clinic was led by So Cal Fierce’s coaches, Kenny Wright and Adrian Brown along with volunteer coaches from Bethesda’s men basketball team. | Photo Credit: DHAT
AAU
MATCH UP
Next up was an exciting match-up between youth basketball programs So Cal Fierce and LA Kings. Both teams battled intensely throughout the game, but So Cal Fierce pulled ahead in the final stretch to secure the win.
Photo Credit: DHAT
YOUNG GUNS
VS THE VETS
The excitement continued as Bethesda University’s Head Coach and basketball figure Julio Lopez led an entertaining high-flying showdown featuring Bethesda University players, alumni, and social media sensation Julian Newman, along with street ballers and semi-pro players who wowed the crowd.
Photo Credit: Regine
GIRL BALLERS REPRESENTIN’
The teams were further enhanced by talented athletes Janaya Berry—social media influencer and Julian Newman’s girlfriend—and college-bound clinic participant Ky-Lliyah who served as an inspiration to young female athletes in attendance.
Community Impact and Entertainment
Beyond the basketball action, the Holiday Ball featured diverse entertainment, including electrifying performances by the Jam Squad & The Rulaz Drum & Drill Team and Black Diamond Drill Team.
DJ TJ
energized the atmosphere with nonstop top 40 hits while young attendees participated in contests for coveted prizes—including brand new Kobe 8s, basketballs, backpacks, and “Gifted Bags” from the event sponsors.
MOUTHPIECE
The voice of the city, kept the crowd engaged and laughing with his off the cuff play-by-play commentary.
THE PLAYERS’ FORUM PODCAST
The event’s media coverage included exclusive one-on-one interviews at The Players Forum Podcast Station, situated opposite the red carpet, with co-founders and podcast co-hosts Coach Mike & Tricia Martin.
SALAAM MARTIN
The day culminated with the national anthem, beautifully performed by Da Vinci Schools student Salaam Martin.
THE BASKETBALL LEAGUE
This was followed by an intense TBL (The Basketball League) match-up between the Long Beach Wave, led by Coach Russell Otis, and the Bakersfield Majestics, under Coach Desmon Farmer.
GGAA INC co-founders pictured with TBL Commisioner Photo Credit: Regine
The game brought professional-level basketball to our local community and showed young athletes a clear pathway from youth sports to professional opportunities—inspiring the next generation. Also in attendance were special guests TBL Commissioner Carnel Wiley and his wife Kelly Wiley, who serves as VP of Operations.
Other special guests and invitees included celebrated coach Ernie Carr, poet Tybie O’Bard and Shinese Harlins of the Latasha Harlins Foundation, entertainer and radio personality Rory Darvel, actor Brandon Larkins from “The Wire,” Sheldon Bailey from “Shameless,” and legendary street baller Sick-Wit-It.
NAJEE ALI
2024 Community Alliance Recognition Award Recipient
Photos courtesy of Najeeali.com
This year GGAA Inc. honored civil rights activist, community organizer, and author Najee Ali for his unwavering dedication to addressing injustices, bridging socioeconomic gaps, and serving as a voice for the people—highlighting GGAA Inc.’s commitment to recognizing and building relationships with leaders who embody social responsibility and community development. Though unable to attend due to sudden illness, he expressed deep gratitude for the honor.
LOOKING FORWARD
As we look forward to next year’s Holiday Ball, we carry with us not just memories of an incredible event, but the knowledge that together, we’re building something truly special for our community’s future.
The success of the 1st Annual Holiday Ball has set a strong foundation for future events. Great Gain Athletics Association Inc. continues its mission of making a positive impact through sports, proving that basketball can be a powerful tool for community building and youth development.
THANK YOUS
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and team who made this all possible!
Thank you to our Sponsors: ALBA Children & Family Therapy, LA CAR GUY , Will2Win Apparel and the players of So Cal Fierce basketball program who volunteered and donated gifts to our gifted bags as well as everyone who donated to our organization.
Thank you to The Palisades Post’s feature story, Regine and DHAT for event coverage (all photos and videos) as well as Elaborate Minds Entertainment film production crew for documenting all the behind the scenes. We truly appreciation your support in making this event a success!
DESIGN + SOUND
We also would like to extend our gratitude to the Production Design & Sound Engineer team, Curtis of LA CONNECT INC & GBOH of NOYZNTHEHOOD.
CHEF O
We also would like to extend our gratitude to our food vendor, Chef O of Landa’s Baked Goods & Catering https://www.landasbakedgoods.com/
Stay tuned for more upcoming events and initiatives from Great Gain Athletics Association Inc. as we continue to foster athletic excellence and community engagement.
If you would like to make a general donation in support of our mission and initiatives, please click here.
If you are interested in how you can be Involved or support our 2nd Annual Holiday Ball, please contact us.
