RINGSIDE FOR YOUTH…it’s all about giving back…

When Steve Gallant came up with the idea for Ringside for Youth in 1994, people were skeptical it would succeed. Nevertheless, Steve was sure he was on to something, especially when Tom Hicks, former founding partner of JetForm agreed to participate and promote the event. They were thrilled when 200 people showed up at the first Ringside for Youth to honour special guest George Chuvalo and watch some excellent amateur boxing. They were also pleased that they’d made $15,000 for the Ottawa Police Youth Centre. Realizing that they might be onto a unique event for Ottawa – a special guest retired champion boxer along with showcase possibilities for local amateur boxers – Steve and Tom planned Ringside for Youth II to raise more funds for the Ottawa Police Youth Centre.

The Ottawa Police Youth Centre had opened in 1992 in an unused fire station bordering the troubled Debra-Dynes neighbourhood. The centre quickly became a focal point in the community and the crime rate dropped dramatically. So successful was the centre that the Department of Justice used it as a role model for other centres across the country. Ringside continued to raise funds for the centre. In a logical and cost-effective move, the Ottawa Police Centre merged with the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club in 1992. Both organizations were committed to building young lives in the community, providing a safe place for activities and providing leadership.  The Ottawa Boys and Girls club is now one of the largest social service agencies in the city. It provides activities and life building skills to over 5,000 children and youth every year.

Ringside for Youth’s committed sponsors, outstanding musical guests, excellent amateur boxing and exceptional sit-down dinner make it one of ‘must-attend’ events of the year. Held in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion and organized by a dedicated volunteer committee, this gala evening has raised over $1.5 million for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.

2010 marks Ringside’s 16th Anniversary. This year’s special guest, Smokin’ Joe Frazier joins a long list of boxing greats, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Angelo Dundee, James 'Buster' Douglas, 'Irish' Mickey Ward, Boom Boom Mancini, Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton, Jake LaMotta, Larry Holmes, Gerry Cooney and Roberto Duran.

Ringside for Youth is all about giving back. This year more than 1,000 people will attend the event and help ‘give back’ for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club. Needless to say, Steve Gallant, Tom Hicks and the entire long-serving Ringside organizing committee are thrilled.

The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa thanks the Ringside for Youth organizing committee for continually making this a SOLD OUT event.

 

Sheryl Bennett-Wilson	Michael Bowser	Tony Bond
Brian Cooper	Richard Cooper	Mirella Messina
Steve Gallant	Tom Hicks	Tony House
Ron Loves	Sarah Campbell	Jeff O'Reilly
Christopher Paine	Tony Rhodes	Imre Rohonczy
Mark Bonneau	Jill Perry

 

For more information call Tom Hicks at 613-825-0030 or by email at info@ringside.ca