3rd Annual “Funky Fresh Fashion Show”
It was a knockout night at the 2014 “Funky Fresh Fashion Show” and Awards Gala held Saturday, January 4 in the Union Hall at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. Here is my special report from the night which was attended by many civic leaders in the community.
California Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Ken Thompson lent a fist of support at this annual charity event benefiting the Inglewood Police Activities League (IPAL)–”Cops Working With Kids To Reduce Juvenile Crime and Delinquency.” This nonprofit reaches out and helps the youth in the area through various sports, fitness and educational programs.
Representing Thompson Boxing was amateur fighter Danny Garcia, 18. Boxing has long been a part of many PAL programs throughout the state. The sport helps keep kids off the streets and away from the lure of gangs, drugs and crime. Garcia (outfitted in a Thompson Boxing Promotions fight shirt) took to the runway in a shadow boxing and jump rope demo at this 3rd Annual “Funky Fresh Fashion Show.”
The evening featured models slinking their way down the catwalk, a live performance from singer Tedero Jones, dinner with LMU/LA Catering by Sodexo, an awards presentation and prize raffle for the guests. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Inglewood Chief of Police Mark Fronterrota were just a few of the familiar faces sitting by the stage. The university’s Elmo Johnson Jr. even strutted down the walkway to the rousing applause of the fans. Wearing a gray tux and fedora, Johnson showed the spirit of the evening, fun and funky at this charity fashion show raising funds for the nonprofit.
And Burbank Boxing Club’s Danny Garcia and his trainer Steve Harpst enjoyed meeting everyone at this yearly gathering. The two greeted Alvin Sharp (IPAL Board President), Wayne Miles (IPAL Executive Director), and the young Explorers from the Hawthorne Police Department.
Garcia said he had a good time walking down the runway at this event for a great cause. Danny was victorious in his recent bout in Pasadena and will be lacing up again soon. The 18-year-old felt the enthusiasm of the audience and had a blast being a “model” for the night. The Mexican-Guatemalan amateur slugger wowed the crowd with his fancy footwork and quick reflexes while taking his turn down the ramp. Putting his best foot forward, the teen boxer took a strong stance while working the stage. The crowd cheered as the fighter bobbed and weaved in sync with the music blasting in the venue.
Both Garcia and Coach Harpst thanked Southland promoter Ken Thompson for the opportunity to take part in the show.
Thompson Boxing has been promoting pro fights since 2000 and has built a loyal following in SoCal and beyond with their live shows at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario and Omega Products International in Corona. President and Founder Thompson and General Manager/Matchmaker Alex Camponovo have cultivated a crop of homegrown champions and stars including Josesito Lopez, Juan Carlos Burgos, Mauricio Herrera, Artemio Reyes Jr., Efrain Esquivias Jr., Jose “El Gato” Roman, and many more in their full stable of prizefighters. Juan Carlos Burgos fights Mikey Garcia on January 25 in New York and Thompson Boxing’s next show at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario will be on February 28.
And with boxing a big part of the PAL programs dotting the state, it was a perfect one-two punch combination to have a young boxer representing at the championship fashion bash!
Photos by Michele Chong