Henry Armstrong Foundation’s Fundraising Gala!

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Help Save the Boxing District Gym

The Henry Armstrong Foundation (HAF) held a special fundraising gala at the famed SUR Restaurant and Lounge in West Hollywood, Calif. President/CEO Edward Scott Jr. (the grandson of the legendary Henry Armstrong) and his wife Kimberly hosted this elite gathering on Sunday, October 23. Here’s my exclusive report and photos from the night!

This fundraiser and awards show’s goal was to help raise funds to save the Boxing District Gym (in Los Angeles) where former champ and current trainer edwardRonnie “The Dragon” Essett works as head coach. He was one of the guests of honor at this weekend fiesta along with the night’s honorees and VIP guests. The Henry Armstrong Foundation is a nonprofit organization who helps at-risk youth and those in need in the community. They want to raise funds to keep the Boxing District Gym in business and also create a new youth center for the nonprofit in the same building. It’s a perfect fit and they are looking for sponsors to keep their dream alive. FUNDS NEED TO BE RAISED BY OCTOBER 31 when the venue will be put up for lease. The goal is $33,000 to cover the costs.

On Sunday night, several boxing aficionados joined the party in support of Essett and the foundation. At this celebration was the Boxing District’s Shawna Charles, boxing trainer and Hall of Fame sculptor Steve Harpst, former pro fighter/current trainer Qurane McMullen (“Q the Mitt Man”), the National Boxing Hall of Fame’s Bill and Linda Young and more.

The evening’s emcee was Jim FitzGerald, who introduced several honorees during the bash. Awards were presented to: SUR Restaurants’ Guillermo and Nathalie Zapata (2016 Spirit Champion Award), world-acclaimed artist Jun Aquino (Eddie Mead Achievement Champion Award), Entertainment ROK Films’ Nelson Datu Anderson (George Raft Entertainment Champion Award), Acorn Paper CEO David Weissberg (2016 Champion Award), Acorn Paper EVP Randy Seff (2016 Champion Award) and entertainment coordinators Larry and Marsha Covin (Al Jolson Entertainment Champion Award).

Framed photos of Henry Armstrong were also given to chosen recipients along with gold medallions given to the invited guests in attendance.

quran“Everyone who is here is a CHAMPION,” Kimberly Dubose-Scott told me with a smile as she thanked the supporters seated in the airy patio at SUR, a beautiful West Hollywood eatery.

Jun Aquino and Nelson Datu Anderson were also celebrating the birthdays at this fundraising shindig. Both men asked that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to help save the gym along with opening the new Henry Armstrong Youth Center.

The family of artist Cao Yong was also there in support. Postcards of the iconic painter were handed out to the crowd.

And it was an “Art of Boxing” night as well with awardee Jun Aquino’s paintings displayed. His new portrait of Manny Pacquiao (autographed by Pacman himself) is available for purchase to help the Boxing District. A painting of Henry Armstrong was also featured during the fête.

Additional highlights included a fun fashion show (hosted by Melody McCleod) with young models walking the runway to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Kimberly’s daughter Michelle and granddaughter Kady, 10, were two of the lovely models (in Jerry Sanders designs) strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Larry Covin also serenaded the guests with live performances as the introductions continued.

It was a celebratory night to remember.

kimberly2Special recognition was given to Dr. Adrian Dove (Martin Luther King Parade), the National Boxing Hall of Fame’s and Golden State Boxers Association’s Bill and Linda Young, ring announcer Jim FitzGerald, among others. Known as “Fitz,” the busy emcee had back to back to back events this past weekend. He worked the SparStar MMA show on Friday, was on stage (as the official emcee) at the California Boxing Hall of Fame award ceremony and Saturday, and on Sunday night, he lent his voice to this nonprofit HAF group.

Fitz wanted to support this worthwhile cause as did all the guests who joined this fundraising event. It was a first-class affair with champagne, cocktails and delicious gourmet appetizers for the patrons. The Scotts thanked SUR for their generosity and hospitality as the guests enjoyed the glamorous surroundings in the swanky restaurant.

And everyone was there to support Ronnie Essett, a prizefighter who has 27 victories on his pro record. During his career, he fought for WBC, WBA and WBO titles and in 1988 won the NABF middleweight championship. He also had an extensive amateur career as a 1984 National Golden Gloves champ.

Since then, he has dedicated his life to the sweet science.

Edward and Kimberly Scott want to assist him in continuing his career at the Boxing District and, hopefully, the future home of the new Henry Armstrong Youth Center.

This goal is also shared by Ronnie. He was appreciative of all the well wishers who came out on Sunday night at SUR.

“This is a great event!” Essett commented. “It touches my heart to see everyone here.”

As the clock ticks, the Team Armstrong is hoping much-needed contributions will come through before the end of this month. As the final bell nears, the nonprofit crew is optimistic for good news before November 1 hits.

Just like a true champion, the squad will not back down or give up…and their hope in saving the gym remains strong!

TO DONATE: Via Go Fund Me Click here. To donate via PayPal click here.

Photos by Michele Chong

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Michele Chong has been involved in the sport of boxing for over a decade. Her “Chatter Box” column covers a variety of subjects in both professional and amateur boxing, and features exclusive one-on-one interviews, recaps of fight events, shows and tournaments, book/film reviews and much more. Inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, she is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Golden State Boxer’s Association and the Burbank Boxing Club. Michele is also involved in many non-profit and charitable organizations.