Knock out Homelessness-Round 3 is a Big Hit!!

March 10, 2010 | Newsroom

The Erie Community has once again shown that it is second to none when it comes to caring for its less fortunate neighbors.

Knock out Homelessness-Round 3 was a huge success. More than 500 Erie City Mission supporters came out to Rainbow Gardens on a snowy February 25th to see some unlikely contenders test their strength and endurance against an Erie boxing dynasty.

See pictures of the night's events Courtesy of Lou Colussi

WICU sports announcer Jay Puskar challenged Lou Bizzarro, Jr. Sheriff Bob Merski went 3 rounds against John Boy Bizzarro and in the main event, District Attorney Jack Daneri faced former contender for the Lightweight Championship of the World, Mr. Lou Bizzarro. The bouts were exciting but the real winner was the Erie City Mission, raising nearly $40,000 to help house the homeless and feed the hungry right here at home.

An especially touching moment was the video tribute to Knock out Homelessness supporter, the late District Attorney Brad Foulk. It was followed by a toast – Attorney General Tom Corbett leading the crowd to raise their soft drinks in memory of Brad. Rainbow Gardens was all dressed up and looked positively elegant for the event that could have only happened with the hard work of more than 50 volunteers.

The Erie City Mission is so grateful and Knock out Homelessness Round 4 is already being planned, tentatively for February 24, 2011!

Our Sincerest Thanks to:

Our wonderful host, Mr. Lou Bizzarro and his terrific family

2010 Sponsors:

Main Event Sponsors:

Mikron Valve
Erie Federal Credit Union
Marquette Savings Bank
Bethesda Children’s Home

Knockout Sponsors:

Law Offices of Gery T. Nietupski, Esq.
Rambaldo Gonda Media
Roth LLC Architects & Planners
Erie International Airport-Tom Ridge Field
State Representative John Hornaman
Conner Riley Friedman & Weichler

Round Sponsors:

Bianchi Honda/Porreco Nissan
Northwest Savings Bank
The Bert Company
UPMC Health Plan
Judge William “Rusty” Cunningham
Vicary Insurance

Referees-

Judge John Trucilla, Millcreek Supervisor Joe Kujawa
& State Representative John Hornaman

Announcers –

WICU Sports Director Mike Ruzzi
& former Knock Out Homelessness contender Ron DiNicola, Esq.

WICU Anchor Amanda Post, who sang a moving National Anthem

Auctioneer - Tim Rocco

Official KOH Photographer – Lou Colussi, Esq.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored a Gold and General Admission table, everyone who donated food and other items, each person who attended, and the more than 50 volunteers who gave of their time and talents to allow the premier event of Help the Homeless Week make a true impact on the community-especially those served at the Erie City Mission!