Fourteen non-profit groups benefit from charity boxing event

THE WOODLANDS, Texas—Fourteen Montgomery County non-profit organizations were the beneficiaries of the second annual “Fight For A Cause” event that raised approximately $35,000 for their essential causes. Eight bouts featured community leaders who were passionate enough about their respective causes they felt they were worth fighting for.

Produced by the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber and Pound 4 Pound Boxing, the participants included attorneys, business owners, entrepreneurs, and even some of the directors of the non-profit agencies. The events consisted of boxing, wrestling, and pseudo Sumo wrestling.

All the non-profit organizations went away a winner with the following receiving the Lion’s share of the purse: Breast Cancer Charities of America, Childrens Books on Wheels, CISD Education Foundation, Light the Night, Love Fosters Hope, Montgomery County Emergency Assistance, and Texas Downs Syndrome.

Other charities receiving a percentage of the sponsorships and gate receipts: CASA Child Advocates, Cure PH, Executive Women’s Alliance, Friends of Texas Wildlife, Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch, New Danville, andSpecial Olympics of Texas – Warriors of The Woodlands.

The second year that this event has been hosted, Joe Griffin, the Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber, admitted that the second time around wasn’t necessarily easier. “We could do more because we knew better what we were doing,” Griffin said.

By all accounts, the evening was a success. Hosted by Sports Culture on I-45, the seating at ringside was at capacity. The purse consisted of sponsorships from area businesses, the sale of merchandise for the respective non-profits, and the gate receipts.

Mike Fortner, President of the Benefits Division of High Point Financial Group, and the winner of his bout, said, “I enjoyed raising money for the CISD Education Foundation, but in truth, the fundraising took more time than the training in the boxing gym. It’s a real time commitment when you make the decision to step into the ring, so you have to be passionate about your cause.”

The final bout on the fight card was a special event for boxing fans, the Pound 4 Pound Title Match between Jake Busa and George Martinez. Trained Antonio Flores of P4P, a title holder himself, the title went to Busa.

Promoter, Miquel Lopez, who conceived the idea of “Fight For A Cause” was adamant that the event would be hosted again next year. “The response this year is proof that there’s a large segment of the community that enjoys boxing. We’ll definitely do it again next year,” Lopez said. “We had more fighters who wanted to fight this year for their cause, and we raised more money than last year. Next year will be bigger and better."

For more information about the “Fight For A Cause” contact the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber.