Wins and Lessons Foundation Hosts Successful Back-to-School Community Event in Gardena

PublishedSeptember 12, 2025

GARDENA, Calif. – The Wins and Lessons Foundation held its first annual Back-to-School Sunday Funday on Sept. 7, transforming 1705 W. 130th Street into a community celebration that provided local youth with school shoes, free resources, and a fun-filled day to start the school year.

The Wins and Lessons Foundation, founded by Compton native Keivon M. Smith, focuses on inspiring and empowering youth across Los Angeles. Smith, a father of four, created the foundation to give back to the community and provide opportunities for young people to thrive despite challenges.

The event featured jumpers, carnival rides, interactive games, and activity booths that kept families engaged throughout the afternoon. Children received free haircuts, braiding services, and more than 100 pairs of brand-new shoes to start the school year prepared. Food vendors including Egg Roll Babe and Trap Kitchen offered complimentary meals, while kids enjoyed snow cones, popcorn, ice cream, and other treats. Face-painting stations, mobile game trucks and music created a festive block-party atmosphere. Clown dancers also arrived to get the kids dancing and hyped.

“I feel extremely blessed and grateful about seeing my event become a success for local youth. I’m beyond thankful for all the support of my friends and family. I could not have done this without everyone coming together as one,” Smith shared.

“Me and my daughters are out here at all the different events giving back to our community with love, honor and respect because that’s what we live for,” said Marie, owner of mobile salon Pure Naturals 365.

Community support was strong, with local nonprofits like Sisters of Watts and Tyrone Nance of It’s Bigger Than Us participating to connect with families and provide additional resources. The LA Strong Foundation also played a critical role providing resources and support for the Back To School Event.

Social media influencers Morgan Westbrook and Amber Wagner also attended, helping amplify the event’s reach and encourage youth involvement.

“I had to come out and support the back to school drive because these are my people –being able to see my people, mingle with my people and seeing these smiles, that’s what it’s all about,” said Westbrook.

The inaugural Back-to-School event was a huge success, highlighting what is possible when local organizations, businesses, and residents come together to invest in the future of youth.