Knockout Homelessness, Round 15!

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Knockout Homelessness, Round 15!

Tuesday, Apr. 02 @ 5:30 pm

The Erie City Mission and the Bizzarro Family will step into the ring once again to fight homelessness head on in this year's 15th annual Knockout Homelessness fundraising event.

Knockout Homelessness - Round 15

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the
Bayfront Convention Center

5:30 PM – Doors Open for viewing of auction and raffle items
6-9:30 PM – Dinner and Exhibitions

Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, exhibition boxing, a live auction, and raffle.
Proceeds from this fundraiser directly benefit the Erie City Mission's emergency men's shelter.

Tickets are on sale now!

$40 General Admission Ticket
$350 General Admission Table of 10
$100 Gold Ticket
$800 Gold Table of 10

Contact Katie Peppers at 814/452-4421 x262 or katie.peppers@eriecitymission.org to reserve your tickets today.

Donate to Knockout Homelessness

Announcing the Round 15 Celebrity Boxers

Tom Lenox and Chuck Nelson are Erie City Mission's 2024 Knockout Homelessness celebrity boxers. They are committed to fighting homelessness both inside and outside of the ring. Show you're in their corner by donating to their crowdfunding campaigns.

Click the link of your favorite boxer below and donate to their campaign today!

100% of the monies raised through the crowdfunding pages go to the Erie City Mission's emergency shelter.

Tom Lenox,

a Lieutenant and the Police Athletic League Coordinator and Recruitment Officer for the City of Erie Police Department, is stepping into the ring for our main event, duking it out against Lou Bizzarro, Jr.

Measuring in at 5'7.5" and 180 pounds, Tom embodies a commitment to law enforcement and community service. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pa., he came to Erie for college, wrestling with the Gannon University team where he excelled as the NCAA Division II Freshman of the Year in 1992 and later coached the university's wrestling team to notable success. Beyond wrestling, in 2005 he joined the City of Erie Police Department, earning various honors, including Top Cadet in Physical Fitness, an Academic Award for highest GPA, the President’s Award for Top Police Cadet, and rose to his current rank of Lieutenant.

Tom's impact extends beyond law enforcement, earning recognitions such as a five-time District 10 Wrestling Coach of the Year while coaching McDowell High School wrestling, Gannon University’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award, the Boys & Girls Club of America’s 2022 Denzel Washington Award, and the list goes on. His dedication to community service is exemplified by his role as the Police Athletic League Coordinator, an official after school sports program in the Erie School District. He expanded the program to include more than 800 kids across multiple schools and community centers. These awards, accolades and accomplishments have solidified his lasting influence on both the City of Erie and the lives he touches.

"Considering the profession that I am in, unfortunately, I see a lot of sad stories as to why people are out in our Erie Community living on the streets. Participating in this initiative is an honor, privilege, and a humbling experience that I can be a small cog in the wheel to spread awareness and establish a long-term solution."

Join Tom's Fight!

Chuck Nelson,

Pastor of Saint Paul’s Church and elected official on the Erie City Council, will be lacing up his gloves in our second co-feature bout of the night against John “Boy” Bizzarro.

At 5’9” and weighing in at 175 lbs, Chuck is no stranger to a good fight. He has spent his life surrounded by boxers and wrestlers on both sides of the family. While he chose to follow the wrestlers on his mom’s side, the boxing fame on his dad’s side was never too far out of sight. His pursuit of wrestling led him to place in the 2002 State Wrestling Championships in New Hampshire, become a 2003 State finalist in Rhode Island, and secure a wrestling scholarship to Lindenwood University.

While Chuck would have loved to join five of his college teammates that went on to fight in the UFC, he felt called to become a pastor. He completed his undergrad at Lindenwood University with a BS in Religion and went on to earn his Master’s in Divinity at Reformed Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is currently completing a Doctorate of Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. For more than 10 years Chuck has pastored in the heart of downtown Erie, ministering to people from all walks of life. He continually serves and advocates for our unhoused neighbors as a pastor, through his role on City Council, and on the board of the Upper Room, as well as other forums.

“I strongly believe that all people have a shared image of God. When His image gets distorted by things like mental illness, homelessness, or marginalization, God has called for His people to step up to restore that image. I've been fighting for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in a few different forums and a ring seems like a good spot to do it.”

Join Chuck's Fight!