“A Night of Knockouts” Fundraiser with Playmates

Here’s the scoop, “Chatter Box” readers!

THIS Friday you have the chance to be part of an exciting night with proceeds benefitting a worthwhile cause at the WaterMarke Tower in downtown L.A.

Boxer, Playboy model, author and motivational speaker Mia St. John is hosting an extravaganza aptly titled “A Night of Knockouts,” which will benefit her foundation, El Saber es Poder (“Knowledge is Power”). Former WBO Heavyweight Champion Lamon Brewster and Lou Pizarro of “Operation Repo” fame are also special guests.

I caught up with the brunette to hear more about this upcoming event where attendees can dine and dance with Playmates, models, athletes, actors, celebrities and more.

“I’m looking forward to building my nonprofit and hopefully raising enough money for the program we are trying to fund. We have a program for fitness, nutrition and mental health for inner city kids,” the female warrior told me. “The first program would start at El Centro De Pueblo in Echo Park– IF we can raise enough money!”

Lending support and working in tandem with St. John has been another female force in the sport. Claudia Ollis wants to make a difference in boxing and beyond by “Changing the Face of Women’s Boxing.” These are two strong, fierce chicas doing their part in giving back to the community. The businesswoman has partnered with many top female fighters to bring more awareness to these talented athletes who deserve more visibility. Ollis also back St John’s charitable endeavors 100%.

I saw the brunette beauty at the Showtime “Super Six” fights this past weekend. Claudia, an entrepreneur with Demi Things boutiques, was really looking forward to this Friday night as well as an additional charity event taking place later this summer. In regards to the “Night of Knockouts” at the WaterMarke, Claudia replied, “I’m looking forward to bringing awareness to mental health–and more importantly looking for continued support for womens boxing in and out of the ring.”

The dynamo always has a lot of projects in the works so I asked Ollis what’s next for Mia’s foundation. “We’re gonna have fights at the mansion too!” she smiled as she shared the good news with me. “It will be July 30, a boxing event at the Playboy Mansion with lots of celebrities there. It’s gonna be really exciting!”

But first up is their inaugural “Night of Knockouts” fiesta to raise funds for Mia’s nonprofit.

St.John has given a lot of her time in bringing awareness to the plight of others, whether it’s through her own charity, the Mia St. John Foundation or speaking at seminars focusing on mental health. One of my recent profiles focused on “The Knockout’s” past struggles with alcoholism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, suicide attempts and her other mental health issues. The month of May is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness so Mia’s gala is timed perfectly to bring light to these issues.

As a role model for others suffering from similar issues, Mia has reached out to thousands and continues to give back in a wave of support. Now fans can also show their support by attending this exciting fundraiser where they can meet Mia, as well as her fellow Playmate Daphnee Duplaix and model Leila Shennib. And of course, other fighters will also be there adding a power punch to the fundraiser.

“Boxers coming include Lamon Brewster; last year we honored Hector Camacho,” Mia relays to me. “The event starts at 8:00.”

“Can fans join the gala?” I ask the brunette boxer.

“Yes, fans can buy tickets and are encouraged to do so!” she answers.

There you have it.

Dinner, dancing, mingling and meeting Playmates, models and more at a cool evening benefitting El Saber es Poder. There will also be red carpet entrances and both live and silent auctions. And oh yeah, don’t forget the Playboy Playmates!

What more could you want? Sounds like a memorable evening to me!

Join Mia, Claudia and the girls THIS Friday for a real “Night of Knockouts.”

Mia St. John Foundation
“A Night of Knockouts”
The WaterMarke Tower
Friday, May 20 8:00 p.m.
Tickets begin at 75.00
For more info: www.miastjohnfoundation.org

Photos courtesy of Mia St. John and Claudia Ollis

Click here to read my exclusive interview with Mia.