Community Cooperation helps to "Knock out Homelessness"
The mood was light, the fights were exciting and the winner by unanimous decision is all those served at the Erie City Mission. Thanks to true community cooperation, “Knock out Homelessness-Round 2” was successful in raising much needed funds to house the homeless and feed the hungry at the Erie City Mission.
To see pictures of the nights events CLICK HERE
As the economy worsens, more and more people are coming to the Mission for help with basic needs, such as food and clothing. The economy also makes it tougher for many people to donate to the causes they hold dear. What is proving to be recession proof though, is the hearts of Erie people who truly care for those less fortunate.
“Knock out Homelessness-Round 2” at Cauley Auditorium on February 26th involved groups from the Mayor’s office to the Erie County Courthouse-on both sides of the bench, to businesses, the media and even other nonprofits. The Erie City Mission is so grateful to every one of you.
After putting on the gloves and duking it out in the inaugural event, Mayor Joe Sinnott returned to the boxing ring to referee as Erie boxing legend Lou Bizzarro took on his former protégé, Marine Corp champ Ronnie DiNicola.
Lou Bizzarro, Ron DiNicola and Mayor Sinnott Knock out Homelessness
Lou Bizzarro is the heart and soul of this effort to help the homeless. He and DiNicola are a team to be reckoned with when it comes to planning a fun and successful event, and rallying the community to take part. The two trained hard and put on a very professional exhibition bout for the crowd of more than 400.
Local businessman Dave Grinpas was responsible for bringing Super Bantamweight Champ Jesus Salud all the way in from Hawaii to fight. “The Hawaiian Punch” as the fighter is known, is an Erie favorite with a heart for helping others. Salud fought Lou Bizzarro Jr.
Lou Jr. and Jesus Salud
Brothers Lou, Jr. and John Boy Bizzarro both saw their share of boxing triumphs in their careers, and are willing to get back into the ring year after year to help the Mission raise funds and keep challengers on their toes.
Judge John Trucilla spars John Boy Bizzarro
Being in top physical condition is important, allowing that conditioning and sportsmanship to benefit the homeless and hungry puts Erie County Judge John Trucilla in our books as a hero. Trucilla took on the challenge, training with the Bizzarro team, and was a crowd favorite, giving John Boy a run for his money.
Businesses donated everything from the tables and place settings (thank you Ganzer’s Grand Rental Station), to the spaghetti and meatballs, prepared with that Ringside Restaurant touch alongside the Mission’s own kitchen staff, clients and volunteers.
Bethesda Children’s Home deserves special thanks for providing the full sized boxing ring. The meal was served by volunteers from Erie First Assembly of God Church, alongside an adult probation work crew under the direction of Tom Burkett. County Executive Mark DiVecchio, Sheriff Bob Merski, DA Brad Foulk and so many others helped in and out of the ring. WICU Sports Director Mike Ruzzi emceed and put together a moving tribute to the late boxing champ Johnny Bizzarro. Celebrity Sports Artist Kevin John donated an original mixed media portrait of Muhammad Ali that “The Greatest” himself has agreed to autograph for the lucky high bidder.
The $35,000 raised will go a long way to housing homeless men and feeding hungry men, women and children right here at home. The coming together of so many supporters has turned a unique idea into what will now be an annual event. Prominent men AND WOMEN in this community are already lining up to get into the ring to “Knock out Homelessness” next year.