Bob Hope USO, an independent non-profit that serves United States troops and their families throughout Central and Southern California, was awarded a $50,000 grant from The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation. The grant will help fund the renovation project of the USO Center at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Last year, Bob Hope USO served 104,000 service members and military family members at LAX as part of its mission to keep service members connected to family, home and country throughout their time of service. In recognition of the gift, the volunteer reception desk at the new center will be dedicated as The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation Volunteer Reception Desk.
The new center, expected to open in Summer 2018, is expected to host 2.7 million military members and their families over the next two decades. The current Bob Hope USO Center, will make way for a component of the new LAX automated people mover, as part of a $14 billion capital world project taking place at LAX over the next six years
“We are grateful to The Gil and Jacki Cisneros Foundation for its commitment to our military service members and their families as we build a next generation, best-in-class USO center that is representative of the generosity of the Southern California community,” said Bob Kurkjian, president of Bob Hope USO. “We are honored to partner with the foundation to help ensure our troops and their families receive the best possible welcome when transiting LAX.”
“As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the important role Bob Hope USO plays in support of our military and their families. We are proud to support the USO and its dedicated volunteers who ensure service members feel welcome and appreciated for their service to their country,” said Gilbert Cisneros, president and co-founder of The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation.
The relocated Bob Hope USO Center at the LAX Theme Building will expand its square footage from 3,600 to 7,100 square feet and will feature a curated display area honoring famed comedian and USO entertainer Bob Hope, a canteen snack bar and dining room, large nap room, family wing with play area and three private family rooms with dedicated restroom, three private connection rooms, big screen TV and movie screening room, gaming lounge, photo booth, charging stations, secure luggage storage, and an outdoor pavilion. All the amenities and services will continue to be provided without charge to current military personnel and their families.
ABOUT BOB HOPE USO
Bob Hope USO strengthens America’s military by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. We provide USO services and programming to current members of the military and their families across 50,000 square miles of Southern and Central California. Bob Hope USO is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating under a charter from USO, Inc., providing morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. Military. Although Congressionally chartered, Bob Hope USO is not a government agency and relies entirely on contributions from patriotic Americans and philanthropic corporations and organizations. Please visit, https://www.bobhopeuso.org for more information. Or to see the construction in progress, visit www.bobhopeuso.org/laxlivecam.