LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Jamie Austin, Matt Silver, our committee, the L.I. Community Chest board of directors and I once again are so grateful for everyone’s support these past 5 years. The respect and growth that the Long Island’s Fight for Charity has experienced during this time is amazing and unprecedented. None of this would be possible if it were not for the unbelievable commitment and support of our past and current boxers, sponsors, volunteers, committee and most of all, YOU, our fellow Long Islanders.

The idea, that we once thought was crazy, is now one of the most anticipated events on Long Island. With more than 10 bouts and dozens of participating businesses, this year’s event will prove to be one of the largest and most exciting. We are on target to raise well over $100,000 this year for charities including: Long Island Community Chest, The Genesis School and Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.

We have dozens of volunteers and people who work throughout the year to make this event possible. Our 3 main sponsors, The Fuoco Group, Zoom Wireless and The Guardian Life insurance company along with Innovative Planning came to us early to support this year’s event. We appreciate their involvement and thank them. In the beginning, I could hardly believe local businessmen and women would get in the ring, and yet today I stand here humbled by my peers for their hard work, courage and dedication. I must also thank Mr. Tony Forunato from Eye of the Tiger Boxing along with all of their members and trainers who have been working closely with each boxer to give them the experience and skills they need to be prepared for the main event.

Our previous events have been marked by excitement and energy. Each has attracted more than 1,200 people to the Long Island Hilton. To date, our four previous year’s events have raised more than $420,000 for local charities, and this is something we all should be proud of!

While the boxing matches are fun and important, they are just the tool we use to accomplish our mission which is to raise funds to support our recipient charities and spread the word of their vital programs and services. We should all be so proud and pleased that the funds will impact the lives of thousands of families this year in our local community and home, Long Island.

On behalf of Jamie, Matt, our sponsors, committee, all of our volunteers and most importantly, our recipient charities, I thank everyone who has/is supporting our efforts to make the 6th Long Island’s Fight for Charity, a tremendous success.

With my respect and gratitude,

Jeff Cohen, The Founder