| CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Another Round for Fight Night Providing local children with a foundation for success BY RAUL FERNANDEZ
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f the many opporserved as president of NFL tunities afforded to Players Incorporated since us in life, none is more 2009. important or impactful As we head into Fight than access to high quality Night this year, we are education. As a native pleased to once again have Washingtonian, I am gratethe support of St. John’s ful to my parents for proalumnus Kevin Plank and viding me with that solid welcome back Under start in life, which I believe Armour as our presentis instrumental in giving ing sponsor. As one of the kids the edge to compete most exciting, high profile and succeed as adults. That events in the area, Fight is what has kept me comNight attracts 2,000 attendmitted to and excited about ees each year. The event will Fight For Children. be held on November 10 at Fight For Children was the Washington Hilton with founded in 1990 by the live entertainment, chamincomparable Joe Robert, pionship boxing, top-shelf whom I first got to know dining, and networking. For when we were both stuthe first time ever, the after Raul Fernandez and Kevin Plank at the 2014 Fight Night. (Photo by Tony Powell) dents at St. John’s College party, “Fight Night After High School. He believed that all children, former mayors, business leaders, entrepre- Dark,” will also be held onsite immediately regardless of income or circumstance, should neurs, healthcare and real estate leaders – following the event. have the opportunity for success. The orga- and, of course, Joe Robert III. We are a small I encourage everyone to support Fight nization combines highly effective programs and entrepreneurial group with a dedicated For Children and the important work the with strategic partnerships to ensure children staff who still feel a strong connection to Joe; organization does to help provide children have the best foundation to achieve success in whose approach to change was never subtle. with the educational foundation necessary school and beyond. The reach of these pro- Joe’s “fight” quite literally underscores the for future success. After 20 years of attending grams spans across all sectors of D.C. schools importance of our work, and the long-term and enjoying Fight Night, there is nothing from public and charter, to independent and impact it can have on our youngest citizens. better than seeing the expression of someone private schools. Fight For Children also colAs we conclude our 27th year, we also who is experiencing it for the first time – it’s laborates with teachers, parents, government usher in some changes. After ten years of a spectacular show for a rewarding cause. I and business leaders, policy makers and part- outstanding leadership, Fight For Children’s hope you’ll join us for Fight Night 2016 on ners to ensure optimal impact. Though we president and CEO, Michela English, will step Nov. 10. lost Joe four years ago to cancer, his “fight” down from her role at the end of the year, continues today. while continuing to serve on the board of In addition to being chairman of Fight For Children’s board of directors, Raul Fernandez is vice Today, I am the chairman of the board directors. of Fight For Children and I’m honored to Having actively prepared for this leader- chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, have helped lead the non-profit in provid- ship transition, I’m pleased to announce that which owns the Capitals,Wizards and Mystics and ing critical support to thousands of at-risk Keith Gordon, who currently serves as Fight operates the Verizon Center. He is also chairman children within our community. My fellow For Children’s chief operating officer, will of ObjectVideo. board members are also great leaders across succeed Michela in the leadership role. Prior the Greater Washington Area, including to joining Fight For Children in 2015, Keith For additional information, visit fightforchildren.org.
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