Calling all male residents of the Riviera looking for a chance to give back to the community and have a great time doing it: join the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club. Established in 1949 by a handful of civic-minded residents, the club was organized to promote community improvement. The Club is non-sectarian and non-political, and is devoted exclusively to promoting fellowship among the families of the Riviera and sponsoring positive community projects. Its members raise money to support our children and schools, and volunteer their time to support community activities.
The Sportsman’s Club has raised over $250,000 over the past decade through fun events such as golf tournaments, pancake breakfasts, wine tastings, steak dinners, chili-cook offs, Relay for Life events, holiday parties, Hometown Fairs, beer tastings and more. No other philanthropic organization in the South Bay makes as big of an impact — and has as much fun doing it. “I never imagined that getting involved and supporting our community could be such a personally rewarding experience,” says Brian Rickey, a seven year member and current Sportsman’s Club president.
The Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, held the Saturday before Easter, has been a Riviera neighborhood tradition for decades. This event for kids has been a sellout every year, even in the rain. The Sportsman’s Club also raises funds for the American Cancer Society by participating each year in the Torrance Relay For Life held at South High School. Igor has been the club’s Relay For Life captain for 13 years. Through the leadership of the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club, the first Community Building was erected at El Retiro Park.
Senior Citizens’ shuffleboard courts were constructed and equipped at Walteria Park with the Club’s support and guidance. The Club also provided the funds to build the snack shack at the South High School football field and provided much-needed computer equipment to Riviera Elementary and Richardson Middle Schools. El Retiro and Walteria libraries have received magazine racks and other equipment over the years through Club donations.
In addition, the Club recognizes scholastic achievements by awarding annual scholarships to selected graduating seniors at South High. The Club also recognizes outstanding efforts by South High teachers with its highly regarded Socrates Award. Members of the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club meet at 7:00pm the second and fourth Wednesday of the month (September through June) at the Clubhouse, located at 24004 Neece Avenue in Torrance.
To learn more, please contact the Membership Chairman, Mr. Brian Dean, via email at brian@deancreative.com.