Bridges Manhattan Beach Gallery (bobridgesgallery.com)

Bridges is known for his extensive career specializing in sports and lifestyle photography. ESPN describes him as, “a professional photographer with photo credits that would mirror that of a pyramid wall filled with iconic pieces of history.”

His newest gallery is in the heart of the Manhattan Beach social life, just steps away from the beachfront and radiates the essence of California; a clean, spacious interior with wood paneling, adorned with vibrant photos of breathtaking scenery.

On Friday evening Bridges unveiled several new limited-edition photos. Bridges was particularly proud to not only celebrate his gallery, but also to be helping The Richstone Family center, with 20 percent of all gallery purchases being donated to the center.

“I love what they do, I have three kids, so I can always relate,” said Bridges. “It’s good to give back, and to help out those that are less fortunate.”

The Richstone Family Center was founded in 1974, and by 1977, the center was one of six child abuse treatment and prevention programs in California, and was awarded a grant by the state.

Today, Richstone serves Hawthorne, the southwest corner of Los Angeles and the greater South Bay area. President and CEO, Roger VanRemmen, says that while the cornerstone of the organization is based in prevention and therapy for child abuse, their work extends to much more.

Domestic abuse prevention, after school programs, anger management help, parenting classes, self-esteem courses, a crisis team, transitional living program, post foster care help; the list goes on.

“There’s a big need for giving back. This is one where you give back and you see a reward,” said VanRemmen. “If you can help children at that younger age, and give them a chance to be successful, my god! How rewarding is that?” 

The Richstone Family Center Logo (@RichstoneFamily/Twitter)

Bridges, described by VanRemmen as a beach guy with an open heart, is an icon in the South Bay community. VanRemmen was ecstatic to partner with Bridges to raise awareness for Richstone, saying there are still many people who need help.

“The stories will put tears in your eyes,” said VanRemmen. “The people you will meet, just wonderful people, might not have two nickels to rub together, so you’re there for them, you have to be there for them, and they’re so receptive to your help.”

Bridges, who has lived in 24 different places across the world, says it is important to be aware of people’s living situations in other areas.

“There’s a lot of less fortunate people out there, and we live in a little bubble here,” said Bridges. “I just feel like I want to give back, and do something about it.”

According to VanRemmen, The Richstone Family Center, is a four million dollar agency, funded primarily from the private sector. Richstone prides itself on running on low administrative costs.

“If you put a dollar into Richstone, you will know 90 percent of it, or more, goes straight into programs,” said VanRemmen.

VanRemmen believes that the bulk of the support for Richstone comes from the South Bay community, which he described as being open and loving.

Bridges’ business manager, Paige Sullivan, helped organize the Richstone fundraising event. 

“Bo loves his community, he’s a family guy and wants to give back,” said Sullivan. “I think it’s (Bridges and Richstone) just a perfect fit.”

Sullivan says Bridges' artwork appeals to everyone, much like the cause that Richstone represents. 

“Regardless of what your status is in life, you see someone in need, and you want to help them,” said Sullivan.  

This story is part of Culture For Change, a month-long Arts and Culture exploration of cultural activism in L.A. For the other stories in the collection, click here.

Reach Staff Reporter Margaux Farrell here or follow her on Twitter here.