New York Foundling Program
December 19, 2009 by Michele Chong
Freddie Roach to receive special award!
In the spirit of the season, the sport of boxing and giving back to the community will be combined at an event taking place TOMORROW in the L.A. area. I encourage all boxing fans to lend their support to this worthwhile cause as the World Boxing Council (WBC) hosts a Christmas Toy Drive at Rudy’s Baja Grill with doors opening at 2 p.m. The restaurant is located at 5226 E. Pomona Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Joe, Israel, Carina, & Freddie
flyerAs you may know from this column, the WBC hosts many charitable events for the community worldwide. And December is proving to be an especially busy month for the boxing group; Chair Jill Diamond tells me the organization has THREE different charity functions on tap for tomorrow!
In a “triad of charity’ from the West Coast to the East Coast to South of the Border, Jill, L.A.-based Rudy Tellez and the WBC are all pitching in to make the holidays merrier for those who need it the most.
Besides the L.A. toy drive, there will also be a “Cesar Bazan Run” in Mexico City to honor the former light welterweight and WBC champ. Agustín “Zorrita” Luna and Elizabeth Reyes (of Cleto-Reyes gloves) will join fighters and trainers in this outing down south.
Diamond, also with WBCares and NABF, will be hosting the third event with the WBC. Tomorrow morning, she and other Santa’s elves will be providing 150 foster children with a delightful Christmas breakfast at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. With the New York Foundling Program and Athletes for Charity, Diamond reveals to me they’ll also surprise the kiddies with Nike sneakers and other treats.
Yes, times are tough for everyone…but let’s remember the littlest ones who still believe in Santa. A little help goes a long way. Help to ensure a better holiday for many underprivileged boys and girls. I say don’t be a “Scrooge,” if you’re near the L.A. location, come out and join the festivities to assist others in need!
For just a small donation of 20.00 (plus a toy to add to Santa’s sleigh), you get to take part in a fun afternoon where you can mingle with some of boxing’s brightest luminaries, nosh on a luncheon buffet and enjoy live Mariachi music. During the gathering, there will also be a special recognition and awards presentation with a very unique first–a very special WBC belt that will be bestowed upon trainer Freddie Roach. Former two-time Junior Lightweight World Champion Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez has been invited to be a guest emcee, along with well-regarded ring announcer Jim FitzGerald, who is gallantly stepping in for our friend Danny Valdivia, who recently passed away.
Take a break from the holiday madness to join some well-known faces of the sweet science–invited guests include Israel Vazquez, Timothy Bradley and other surprise guests. There will also be an induction ceremony, live entertainment and a fundraising raffle hosted by the WBC. Event sponsors include World Boxing Cares, WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, Salazar y 3 Campeones, All Star Boxing, Wild Card, Standing Eight Management, Alhambra Boxing Club and the Burbank Body Shop.
“I want to support Rudy and the toy drive,” Ed Holmes says during our phone conversation yesterday. His company, All Star Boxing, is just one of Sunday’s generous sponsors. “That’s what’s it’s all about–the kids, the promoter adds. “And I’m happy to be part of the event.” Holmes holds his live boxing and MMA shows at the Quiet Cannon, which just down the road from Rudy’s Baja Grill, so he’s no stranger to the venue.
During tomorrrow’s event, many “unsung heroes” of the ring will also get their due respect–a tribute is planned for several ring officials (referees, judges, timekeepers) including Marty Denkin, David Denkin, Raul Caiz Sr., Raul Caiz Jr., Jack Reiss, Pat Russell, Dr. Lou Moret, Dr. James Jen Kin, Gwen Adair, among many others. Several promoters will also share the limelight in receiving their special recognition awards, including Don Fraser, Don Chargin, Goossen Tutor Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.
Boxing, food, drinks, music and more. Just what could be better? Imagining the smile your donation brings to an underprivileged child is a priceless reward.
And knowing that you contributed to a worthy charity is just icing on the cake.
From the “Chatter Box” to you and your family: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all!
An excellent restaurant to hang out!!
Ok…I know I am a foodie and have travelled quite a bit and been to lot many places but the one city which is always an extension of mine is undoubtedly New York. I am proud to wear my Nike NY cap and cheer my Basketball team without fail. I have been to almost all the food joints, restaurants, pubs and bars located in Manhattan and I must say they all are pretty good considering this age of twittering and Face book wherein if you fail once your name pops up on all the social networking websites with negative comments. This is a welcome change becoz ultimately we the customers become the king as shoddy service or bad quality food can easily land the owners into trouble.
But the one place which has succeeded in amazing me is the newly refurbished Restaurant named Point Break. Formerly named as Nation Restaurant & Bar, Point Break is a new Surf Bar located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. Now I remember sometime back I had been to this place when it had the old look and feel and I thought ok..seems to be an average place..what’s the big deal? But even during my last visit when it was still in its old shape it served me excellent food and the service was razor sharp. So last Saturday when one of my friend threw a party and told me the venue to be a swanky new outlet which he was speaking so highly about I thought ok..let’s try this one too. When he told me about the address I wasn’t sure it was the same place but when I reached there the whole look and feel from Outside was changed and once I entered in, the earlier known Nation was truly looking like a break from the past and hats off this guy, I don’t remember the name of the owner, but he has rightly renamed it as Point Break!! It appeals to the newer generation guys like me. We had a great time there. The menu featured old classics and new additions. I loved the wheel o’ shots which made me crazy!! I had the fish tacos which was delicious..yummeee and it has got plenty of room for parties, the DJ that they had was great, excellent sound system as well and the drinks were strong and I had a look at the menu and thought the prices were pretty good.
Guys on top of it the next day when I searched this place on the internet, this restaurant has a Face book page too wherein they post photos and updates of recent happenings/parties and upcoming events/parties/offers too. They tweet also which is really nice thinking by the owner.
Anyways not wanting to sound like a paid blogger I would say as a foodie this restaurant is a nice one and I would not hesitate to give my recommendation for it to my guests coming in from out of town. Go and try once and do not hesitate to leave a comment once you are there. I know I am only going to get thumbs up from you all!!!
Ciao…
John Smith, NYC
December 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm