Saturday: Villa-Parke Community Center’s A Fighting Chance

On Saturday, April 20, 6:30 p.m., the Villa-Parke Community Center Capital Campaign begins with a special event, “A Fighting Chance”, to create awareness and help raise funds for the renovation and expansion of the Boxing and Fitness facility that has reached capacity. The event will also honor local boxing champs “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Ricky “Showtime” Quiles and Zack “Attack” Padilla. In order to expand its offerings, the Center needs additional funding. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.2 million. The City of Pasadena has already earmarked $250,000 as part of its partnership contribution.

“The Villa-Parke Community Center is a valuable community resource and this campaign will bring much needed funding to provide more programs and services to the greater Pasadena communities,” commented Councilmember Victor Gordo. The Capital Campaign will fund an estimated 4,000 square foot multi-purpose room by combining the existing weight and boxing rooms. The first floor will consist of a professional size boxing ring with ringside seating in addition to boxing and training equipment. The second floor will feature a mezzanine that will consist of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, along with office space for coaches and trainers. The improved amenities will be enhanced with after school tutoring for youth.

“This is truly a community collaborative effort and we’re happy to be part of the committee to bring this campaign to life,” stated Barbosa Polverini, co-chair of the “Knock-Out” committee and local business person. The renovation and expansion of the facility will support a robust Boxing Program which includes partnering with national and international boxing organizations to host regional competitions. For more information, visit the following: Facebook.com/villaparkeboxing, Twitter.com/VPBoxing.

About Villa-Parke Community Center

Villa-Parke Community Center’s boxing program was originally designed to reach out to at-risk youth. The program continues to serve as a safe haven for local youth throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The boxing program has helped foster the athletic career of young athletes, including many Olympic and professional boxers who got their start with the Pasadena-based program. Today, the Center offers an extensive boxing and fitness program for youth and adults that complements a myriad of social, educational and recreational services. With a bilingual staff, the Villa-Parke Community Center is a vital recreational hub for all communities in the San Gabriel Valley. For more information about the City of Pasadena go to www.cityofpasadena.net.