Steward:
Fundraiser Likely Raised No Money They crowded together in the beautiful Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham March 25. Metro Detroit’s “movers and shakers” gathered for the stated purpose of raising money to benefit the future of the Kronk Gym in Detroit – that being its amateur program.
A fundraiser that costs money? That’s a concept that is likely lost on those of us that don’t routinely dress in $1,000 suits and attend $500 a plate dinners. I dare say that includes the majority of our readers (and 100% of our contributing writers and photographers) and all but a few of the amateur boxers that this site reports on and for whom the fundraiser was supposed to help. The venue capacity was only 350 persons, according to Steward who responded to Sportssummary’s questions by phone just days after the elaborate party. Of those, more than fifty tickets were apparently comped. Boxing manager, and one-time Michigan native, Jackie Kallen, as well as the current and several past boxing commission chair persons were among the recipients. Press releases out of the newly formed Kronk Gym Foundation reported that Steward formed the non-profit organization in order to further support the amateur boxers that wear the bright colors of the Kronk Gym. Certainly a worthwhile cause. The event promised celebrity boxers like event co-chairs former heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis and current heavyweight champ of the world Wladimir Klitschko, Sugar Ray Leonard, and, of course, local legend Tommy Hearns. Singer Aretha Franklin, a Detroit native, was added to the guest list in subsequent press releases and it was announced that HBO’s Jim Lampley would serve as emcee. Sportssummary confirmed days before the event that co-chair and Board of Directors member Lennox Lewis, who was also scheduled to be honored during the evening, would not be in attendance. Steward has reportedly given more than one explanation for his absence.
Tickets for the dinner and auction were priced at $250 for general admission and $500 for VIP admission, which included a reception and gift bags. The setting for the elaborate dinner buffet was the 5,000 sq foot Townsend ballroom complete with gold damask silk wall treatments, Waterford chandeliers and tables with two dozen rose centerpieces. The guests dined on sliced Buffalo mozzarella, roasted tenderloin, chicken piccata, grilled salmon, veggie pasta, caesar salad and roma tomato with fresh basil and balsamic along with fresh sliced fruit and berries and deluxe mini pastries.
Foundation Executive Director Anita Ruiz said she wished that high profile celebrities such as Sugar Ray Leonard had not cancelled after making commitments. He confirmed by text message to one of Steward’s numerous cell phones but then, according to Ruiz, had his agent call to make apologies after learning his schedule would not allow his attendance. He sent a video greeting, as did Lewis, which was shown on the four huge video screens during the live auction that followed the dinner. “We are disappointed,” said Ruiz, who wanted to clarify that the Foundation made “no promises” about attendance. “That’s why it wasn’t in the press releases.” What was made public was that these world-renowned athletes were not only invited – and who knew that boxers would refuse Steward – but were being honored at the event. A month earlier, Steward himself told Sportssummary that the honorees, specifically, would be present. Asked about the amateurs, Steward said they would be there. “It’s all about the kids,” he said. Less than ten amateurs were present and two of those that Sportssummary spoke with said they had received calls just hours earlier asking them to attend. This writer managed to sneak a peek at the seating chart and saw outstanding female amateur Latonya King’s name listed, although she has not fought for more than a year and is rumored to be in California. Joseph Bonas, another outstanding young boxer, was present (he walked in carrying a championship belt, escorted by Steward’s nephew and primary trainer Javan Hill) although difficulties have kept him from the gym for more than a year. Contrastly, Kronk standout Erick De Leon – who fought at a Kronk club show just five days earlier - and coach Angel Caraballo were not invited. An early Foundation press release contained a quote from Steward: "For many youngsters who have unfortunate home lives, the Kronk Gym and its programs are crucial.” How an extravagant dinner that is expected to eat up most or all of the proceeds accomplishes that critical task is beyond this observer. Editor's Note: In hopes of reporting that the news would not be as bad as expected, this report was delayed week after week waiting for the results of the financial report to be made available. Sportssummary made weekly calls to Foundation Executive Director Anita Ruiz who, last week, reported that the report had not yet been received - some three weeks after it was initially expected - but Ruiz reported that, after expenses, the event will show some profit. (c) 2009, Sportssummary.com |
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