Black Tie and Boxing returns to Jackson, raising money for the STAR Center
Since its inception in 2016, Black Tie and Boxing, or BTB, has been a highly-anticipated annual event in Jackson, and it was no different when it returned to the Civic Center on Jan. 16.
In a night of both amateur and semi-professional boxing and mixed martial arts, all funds raised at the event go directly toward benefitting the work of the STAR Center, a non-profit organization in Jackson providing services to those with disabilties and allowing them to realize their full potential.
Sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, the money raised by Black Tie and Boxing allows the STAR Center to allow clients to benefit from many services including music therapy, home care, speech and language therapy, and the fostering of independence through the use of assistive technology. The BTB event previously raised money for research in search of a cure for juvenile diabetes, but is in its second year fundraising for the STAR Center.
With a black tie dress code, the glitz and glamour of the event are seamlessly paired with the controlled chaos of the fights, and all in the name of charity.
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Marketing Manager for the STAR Nicole Russell says that the money raised allows them to continue providing care to clients and improve their overall quality of life.
She says that attendance numbers reflected ticket sales of over 600 general admission balcony seats, and over 900 guests and volunteers downstairs, ringside. Funds for the STAR Center are raised through donations from both those in attendance of the event and those watching live from home, ticket sales, and the 'Fight Club.'
Russell praised the effort of BTB's Fight Club, a group of community volunteers and familiar faces who have trained since October 2022 for their fights. Among them were Latrell Billingsley, Fire Marshall for the Jackson Fire Department, and Mark Cancia, United Way of West Tennessee's Director of School and Community Engagement.
"I'm a steward. I'm a steward of my body, I'm a steward of what God has given me, and so to be able to fight for others, fight for those that are living with disabilities, is what I'm responsible for so I'm glad to do it," Cancia said.
The 11 Fight Club members collectively raised $30,970.
"They've been fundraising since October and learning how to fight, most of them have never fought before," Russell said. "So they're learning how to fight but also fundraising for the STAR Center."
For 2024, the STAR Center had a goal of $300,000, up from the previous year's goal of $250,000. Though the exact number raised has yet to be determined, Russell shared that the goal is approximately what has been accounted for thus far.
When asked what she hopes those watching either in person or at home take away from the event, Russell says it is to hear testimonies and to have a better understanding of the services the STAR Center provides.
"Our goal is really to just be able to share stories of the amazing clients that we have here at the STAR Center."
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Annual Black Tie and Boxing event benefitting the STAR Center returns
