Fighting For Charity

A charity boxing match? Here in Suffolk County? Sound crazy? Some people used to think so, but it's now one of the most anticipated events on Long Island. With more than 10 bouts and dozens of participating businesses, this year's event could prove to be one of the largest and most exciting.

Previous events have attracted more than 1,200 people to the Long Island Hilton. Over the past 8 years more than 100 women and men who live and work on Long Island have trained, fundraised and ultimately put the gloves on for charity representing literally hundreds of Long Island companies. To date, the previous year's events have raised more than $700,000 for local charities.

Fight for Charity recipients for 2010 are: The Genesis School, Long Island Community Chest, National Foundation for Human Potential and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Long Island Chapter. 

While the boxing matches are fun and important, they are just the vehicle to accomplish a mission, which is to raise funds and awareness for the recipient charities and to spread the word of their vital programs and services, organizers said.

"Everyone involved should all be so proud that the funds will impact the lives of thousands of families this year in our local community and home, Long Island." said founder Jeff Cohen. 

Co-chairs Jamie Austin and Matt Silver say no experience is necessary and that they will train interested participants. Fight For Charity has partnered with official training centers and Garden City's KAYO Boxing, Port Jefferson's Body Shot Boxing, Anthony Giallanzo, Ultimate Performance and Fitness, Inc. and Dix Hills' Fitness Through Boxing.

This year's event will be held at the Hilton on November 22. http://www.lifightforcharity.org/