Ten-time world champion, Hall of Fame boxer, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Oscar De La Hoya joined us in the Project Angel Food kitchen to celebrate his birthday Friday, Feb. 4, to give back to Los Angeles. He was joined by girlfriend Holly Sonders, influencer, golfer, and former Fox Sports broadcaster.

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FUN PHOTOS & OUR INSTAGRAM LIVE ARE BELOW.

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De La Hoya was hospitalized with COVID for three days in September and, grateful for his recovery, want to celebrate his 49th birthday with us volunteering.

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CEO Richard Ayoub welcomed the couple and says, “We’ve had some big stars and even royalty in our kitchen, but to see the volunteer and staff light up like this — some even coming in on their days off to wish Oscar a happy birthday is pretty amazing.”

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The Olympic gold medalist credits his mother, who passed away from breast cancer in 1990, for instilling the importance of giving back to the community in him from a young age, but it is his battle with COVID in September 2021, that Oscar says makes volunteering on his birthday that much more special.

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Oscar says, “Being hospitalized by COVID really opened up my eyes and my heart to give back even more. So the fact that I’m here on my birthday really is a blessing and reminds me of how many people there are in need.”

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Oscar and Holly brought a custom-made birthday cake to share with volunteers and staff. They cut vegetables and put special labels on meals to let clients know Oscar De La Hoya made their meal. He boxed a pinata, posed for photos, signed autographs, and joined Richard for Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love Instagram Live series. To see that interview, click here.

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His big message to everyone was, “Project Angel Food needs volunteers!” If you want to be like Oscar & Holly and help in the kitchen, email volunteers@angelfood.org. We’ve posted some of our favorite shots.