Growing up I had an odd obsession with boxing movies. Anytime I would see any of the Rocky movies on TV, I would no doubt stop what I was doing and watch the rest of the movie (yes, even Rock V). I was always captivated watching the fighters work their butts off, overcome whatever odds were in their way, and would always get inspired by the inevitable training montage leading up to the fight. Nearly every boxing movie that came out after that I had to watch - Diggstown, Bleed For This, The Fighter, Southpaw - you name it, I watched it. Then a number of years ago I started taking some boxing classes and got in the best shape of my life. I noticed when doing those classes that I loved hitting the body bag, even though I had very little technique, and decided that I being in a real boxing match would be new on the bucket list. However, after a bunch of years, I fell back out of shape and never really knew how I'd be able to actually make a boxing match happen.
Last fall, I was invited by a colleague to a luncheon for the I Have A Dream Foundation. I didn’t know much about the foundation, but only knew it was for helping low-income children. Feeling that I was extremely lucky to be raised in a great family, great community, and plenty of support, I’ve always wanted to give back and find a way to help those who were not as fortunate as I was. After attending the luncheon, I was not disappointed! It was amazing to see all of the support the I Have A Dream Foundation has given to so many young people in low-income communities. I was immediately touched, and wanted to help the organization.
Recently, I started attending The Corner Boxing Club in Boulder, and I found out about Founder Fights. I realized I could have the opportunity to combine a bucket list item of mine (competing in a boxing match) and helping an organization I was so impressed by (I Have A Dream Foundation). This seemed like a no-brainer to me. So now I ask for help in raising money for a great organization, as I get my butt in shape over the next few months, getting up for early morning training sessions, completing two-a-days boxing classes, learn the techniques of boxing, and ultimately enter the ring on May 18!
