Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Fight Night Chairman Raul Fernandez on the red carpet. Photo credit Jack Hartzman/Fight For Children
Fight For Children announced Nov. 10 that its 26th annual Fight Night surpassed its goal and raised $5.1 million to invest in early childhood education in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The event was held Nov. 5 at the Washington Hilton and brought together more than 2,000 people.
“Fight Night was our biggest and best fundraising effort yet,” Fight for Children Chairman and Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Raul Fernandez said. “Together with our supporters, we exceeded our goal and raised a record-breaking amount of money to benefit the at-risk children of D.C. and Baltimore so that they can have access to quality education from pre-kindergarten through third grade, and ideally have more opportunities to succeed in school and life. We greatly appreciate Kevin Plank and the Under Armour team for their continued leadership and support in helping make Fight Night such an extraordinary success.”
Kevin Plank with boxing legend Earnie Shavers. Photo credit Jack Hartzman/Fight For Children
Attendees witnessed Jaime Herrera defeat Javier Flores in a 10-round battle, in addition to a Muhammad Ali tribute and celebration of the 40th anniversary of his most famous fight, The Thrilla in Manila, with Hana Ali in attendance to represent her father. The crowd also enjoyed a sneak peak of the upcoming boxing drama “CREED” from MGM Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema with star Michael B. Jordan and writer/director Ryan Coogler on hand to present Fight For Children with a commemorative boxer’s robe from the film.
Fight Night 2015 was co-chaired by Under Armour Founder and CEO Kevin Plank and Fernandez. The idea for the event was created by the late Joseph E. Robert, Jr. and since its inception, more than $118 million has been raised.
Featured Fight Night partners and contributors included Presenting Sponsor Under Armour; Fernandez Foundation, Needle Craft, Ramatex Group, SWaN Legend, War Horse, Whiting-Turner Contracting, Classic Fashion, Goldman Sachs, Little King, FedEx, FTI Consulting, Hewlett-Packard, Jowett Group, MGM National Harbor, NFL, New Holland Apparel, Quicken Loans, Regina Miracle, SAP, SL Global, , United Creations LLC, University of Maryland, CA Technologies, Zentrix, Richard Kay/Robert Hisaoka, Washington Friends, APS Global, United Arab Emirates, Avery Dennison, Baltimore Ravens, Bestex, Sports City, Sintex, YMU Global, Climatex, Eclat, Bodynits Group, Gildan, Unimark, NCTA and Boeing.
Actor Michael B. Jordan (speaking) and director Ryan Coogler from the upcoming movie CREED in the ring with announcer Michael Buffer to present commemorative robe to Fight For Children. Photo credit Jack Hartzman/Fight For Children
Related: SAVE THE DATE: 2015 Fight Night Opening Bell Set for Nov. 5
