The L.A. Derby Dolls at Work in Our Community

In addition to being fierce skaters and phenomenal athletes, the L.A. Derby Dolls are also concerned citizens.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Lakers star Jordan Farmar visit the Doll Factory and give Demolicious the thumbs-up at the Mayor's Day of Service "You've inspired so many, whether it's a girl who now has the confidence that she can tackle anything in this world, whether it's our community members of Historic Filipinotown who've seen the potential of their neighborhood or whether it's the tens of thousands of fans who've been inspired to come see some great entertainment."

- Eric Garcetti, speaking about league founder Demolicious while she received the Pioneer Woman award in May 2010.

Community Resource Fairs

In August of 2011, the Dolls hosted their third annual Health Fair in partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital and Los Angeles City Council President, Eric Garcetti’s office. The Health Fair served hundreds of community members who came to the Doll Factory in Historic Filipinotown to get their cholesterol checked, receive eye exams, take part in workshops, or explore the many community resources that were showcased.

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In July 2008, they teamed with the City of Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) to welcome Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to the Doll Factory for the citywide Mayor's CommUNITY Day of Service. The purpose was a comprehensive, day-long Wellness Conference for local area women and girls that included free workshops on self-defense, basic tai chi, yoga, "punk rope" lessons, nutrition workshops and discussions on body image and the portrayal of women in the media. The Wellness Conference was designed to promote empowerment of women and young girls and to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Junior Derby

The L.A. Derby Dolls have hosted two junior roller derby camps for girls ages 9-17. The week-long camp emphasizes teamwork, physical fitness, fun and empowerment for young women and inspiration for the roller derby stars of tomorrow. The first camp was such an overwhelming success that it has prompted the creation of a new, full-time Junior Roller Derby League for fledgling derby girls. Junior Roller Derby has more than 65 young women involved, all working towards becoming young athletes and empowered to achieve their goals.

Continuing the league's tradition of service, in April 2011, the L.A. Junior Derby Dolls and the San Diego Juvenile Dollinquents played a double-header fundraiser bout for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, raising more than $2,000. The Juniors also ran a lemonade stand for this year's Big Sunday, raising funds for a local school.

Enrollment in the Junior Derby Dolls is open year round.

Community Partnerships

On October 16, 2011, the L.A. Derby Dolls fielded a team for AIDS Walk LA for the fourth year in a row.  Our team ranked #82 in funds raised, among the hundreds of teams, skating and walking together for this special cause.  

AIDS Project Los Angeles is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection, and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy.

APLA services are designed to promote self-sufficiency for people living with HIV/AIDS, to support positive medical outcomes, and to keep people living with HIV/AIDS in care and treatment programs. Direct services include client advocacy, dental services, home health, mental health services, food pantries, and much more to thousands of L.A. residents.

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On July 9th, 2011, the L.A. Derby Dolls hosted TWENTYWONDER, an annual fundraising event combining eclectic and improvisational elements of art, science, music and comedy in a festive atmosphere — a bursting galleria of the unusual and unforeseen, with the goals and works of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare of people with Trisomy 21.

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The L.A. Derby Dolls have participated for the past three years in the City's annual Big Sunday community service event. Once again, in May, 2011, the L.A. Derby Dolls hosted a Big Sunday Weekend skating clinic for Children of the Night. The three-hour workshop focused on teaching young men and women how to skate, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and physical fitness as a means toward personal empowerment.

Children of the Night is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and empowering children who have been forced into prostitution. To learn more about Children of the Night, please visit http://www.childrenofthenight.org/.

Big Sunday is an annual spring weekend when thousands of people from Southern California, of all ages and all backgrounds, work together at hundreds of nonprofits, schools and other agencies that need their help. Big Sunday Weekend is one of the largest regional community service events in America. To learn more about Big Sunday and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.bigsunday.org.

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It’s rare that the Derby Dolls highlight their defeat, but in December of 2010, a group of LA Derby Dolls were once again defeated by the Los Angeles Fire Department in a game of broom ball. This game was held to build awareness for the LAFD holiday Spark of Love toy drive campaign. The first year's game benefited the LAFD Widows, Orphan and Disabled Fireman’s Fund.

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Inspired by the strong sense of civic pride entrenched in our adopted community of Historic Filipinotown, the Dolls organize at least two neighbrhood cleanups each year, taking to the streets armed with brooms, rakes and shovels. On Easter weekend, skaters and volunteers welcomed the Do Good Bus, in partnership with LA Guerilla Gardening, to re-plant the garden in front of the Doll Factory with succulents and other hardy plants.

Another way the L.A. Derby Dolls contribute to the lively culture of their neighborhood is to participate in annual events such as the Historic Fililipinotown Festival and 5k run/walk.

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The L.A. Derby Dolls hosted a rest stop at the American Diabetes Association 2011 Ship to Shore Tour de Cure, providing refreshments and support to more than 2,000 riders to support the mission of the ADA, which is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Photo credit:Kim WestThe L.A. Derby Dolls have also held food drives for M.E.N.D.: Meet Each Need with Dignity, hosted a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign, recently held a shoe collection for the "Put Yourself in Their Shoes" campaign to benefit several homeless shelters, and helped raise funds for Lambda Legal, helping fight for civil rights for the LGBT community and those living with AIDS.

Continuing the Tradition of Community Activism and Volunteerism

After skating, community service is the most important thing that the L.A. Derby Dolls do.  In the spirit of giving back to those around them, especially the community that has welcomed them with such support and friendship, the L.A. Derby Dolls are always on the lookout for opportunities to repay the good fortune they’ve been granted. 

Treasure of Los Angeles

L.A. Derby Dolls with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti at the Treasures of Los Angeles ceremony. The greatest honor for the L.A. Derby Dolls came in the form of a "Treasure of Los Angeles" award from the Central City Association in March 2009. Invited to the ceremony, attended by local luminaries such as City Council President Eric Garcetti, the L.A. Derby Dolls were honored for their athleticism, community and leadership.

L.A. Derby Dolls with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti at the Treasures of Los Angeles ceremony