Corpus Christi community leaders are stepping into the ring Friday night for the return of Champions for Charity, a high-energy boxing fundraiser benefiting the Corpus Christi Community Center and its programs for children and seniors.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the event is bigger, bolder, and built on last year\u2019s overwhelming success, when the fundraiser helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for community services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis event is benefiting the Corpus Christi Community Center,\u201d said organizer Marcus Lozano. \u201cLast year we raised about $55-60 thousand, which helps cover overhead and supports programs for kids and senior citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lozano, who also participated in last year\u2019s matches, described the atmosphere inside the ring as intense but meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the bell rings, your adrenaline just goes out the window,\u201d Lozano said. \u201cBut at the end of the day, it feels really good because it\u2019s for a great cause.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event features six bouts with 12 local contenders, including business professionals, realtors, fitness trainers, and community figures. Among those stepping into the ring are Joe Benavides, Justin \u201cMagic,\u201d Laurie Lee Garcia, Michael George, Analisa Rios, and many more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a list of community members who really want to take part in the betterment of Corpus Christi,\u201d Lozano added.<\/p>\n
Participants say the event is about more than boxing\u2014it\u2019s about giving back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI spent time at the community center growing up,\u201d contender Michael George said. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to give back to the community that raised me and give kids something to look forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another returning participant, Laurie Lee Garcia, joked about the challenge ahead, saying, \u201cI have not trained at all, I\u2019m just going in and getting it done,\u201d and added that, despite limited preparation, the cause makes it worthwhile.<\/p>\n
George says proceeds directly support programs, including youth sports, summer activities, and facility improvements such as upgraded recreation spaces and expanded services for families.<\/p>\n