L.A. Angels' Torii Hunter Gives $50K to Fight OC Gangs

Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter dug deep into his personal bank account today and surprised the Orange County district attorney's office with a $50,000 donation to help keep kids away from gang activity.

Hunter's contribution will benefit the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership and be used to help keep Orange County kids in school and out of gangs. The OC GRIP program has garnered various donations from community partners, but the D.A.'s office said Hunter's donation on Friday is the first-ever financial contribution from a private donor.

“I am awe-struck and immensely grateful for Torii’s generosity,” District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in a released statement. “Torii hasn’t just made a donation to these at-risk students, he has made an investment in their futures. He has shown through his commitment to these kids that he is truly in a league of his own.”

The D.A.'s office said Hunter's donation represents his belief that OC GRIP is effective at gang prevention in Orange County and also shows his commitment to making sure young people have a shot at positive futures.

Hunter has been involved with OC GRIP since 2008. Every year he speaks to more than 1,000 students at the annual GRIP Angels incentive game and also made a cameo in a GRIP promotional video which is shown to thousands of at-risk students.

OC GRIP works with 43 schools to increase school attendance and decrease gang activity, facilitates interventions for at-risk students, hosts gang information forums and parent and faculty education. OC GRIP committees work with law enforcement officials in Buena Park, Garden Grove, , Orange, San Clemente, , Santa Ana, Stanton and unincorporated North Orange County.