Nonprofits

RINGSIDE: A FIGHT FOR KIDS – A BRIEF HISTORY
Ringside: A Fight for Kids is the latest chapter in a story that spans 19 years and more than eight cities around the country.

It all began in 1989, when leaders in the Dallas real estate community joined forces to create a unique charity event to benefit their trade organization. The organizers wanted the event to be something special – sports-themed, yet elegant and exciting.

Fight Night was born. This black-tie event captured the glamour and spectacle of boxing’s rich past, complete with all of the classic elements: fine cuisine, elbow-rubbing with the stars and, of course, the thrill of professional boxing. Fight Night’s founders hoped to sell 350 seats the first year. To their surprise and delight, the event sold out – with 850 guests in attendance!

Over the past decade, the concept of this charitable event has caught on in other cities, from Washington DC, Charlotte, New York, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Each event has been highly successful, raising substantial funds for charitable contribution and community support.

The event has created unforgettable moments for sports fans around the country. Many boxers who participated as amateurs have moved on to fight for world titles. And the celebrity guest list includes some of the sport’s greatest names: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier, Jake LaMotta, Angelo Dundee, Thomas “Hitman” Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard, to name a few.

Now, this exciting charity event concept has arrived in Nashville! In 2009, the Charley Foundation will host the fifth annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids on March 13th at the historic Factory at Franklin. Organizers promise an action-packed evening of gourmet dining, live national music performances, surprise celebrity guests and an exciting live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. The highlight of the evening will be three professional boxing bouts sanctioned by the Tennessee Boxing and Racing Program.

All funds raised will provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups in the Nashville community.
BELMONT SERVICE CORPS
NASHVILLE, TN — (September 4, 2008)- Sunday night, the breathtaking Nashville skyline was the backdrop to history in the making for Belmont Service Corps. Approximately 500 people witnessed what happens when the largest student organization at Belmont University comes together in hopes of making a difference. Guests arrived on the red carpet at the organization’s first annual Skyline Party, to find the event’s outcome nothing less than the product of unity, professionalism, dedication, and exceptional student leadership. Due to contributions from Sony BMG, Universal Music Group Nashville, Rock Solid Security, Red Bull, Subway, and country recording artist Luke Bryan, Belmont Service Corps was able to raise almost $1000 in donations for the Nashville Gilda’s Club, as well as increase their membership of volunteers who will dedicate their time to local and national organizations from 280 to 350.

“I am so proud to say that the Skyline Party was one of the greatest accomplishments for Service Corps members the organization has ever seen,” said Bob Foglia, President. For the first time ever, we were able to take what we have learned over the years through volunteering at entertainment industry events across the nation, to create, plan, and successfully implement an event that undoubtedly raised awareness of cancer throughout the Nashville community.”

For years, as part of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, Belmont University’s Service Corps has been known throughout the country as an organization of music industry majors and student leaders who donate their time and talent to volunteering at events including: the Grammy Awards, South by Southwest, The Academy of Country Music Awards Las Vegas, Tin Pan South, Country Radio Seminar, the Dove Awards, and many more. The students dedicate over 600 hours of service a year in hopes of making a difference, as well as gaining expertise in their specialized field of study.

The Skyline Party, which included musical performances by Madison Hardy, Greg Bates, and EMI Publishing’s, Brett Mcglaughlin, was the organization’s first independent event dedicated solely to giving back to the community for its consistent support and belief in student education.

“We were glad to be able to give back to Music City, because it is home to those organizations who have believed in us enough throughout the years to grant us the learning opportunities we need to deepen our experience in the entertainment industry,” said Foglia. “We are so fortunate, as part of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, to have experienced the things most people only dream of.”

More information and photos from the Service Corps Skyline Party can be found at www.belmontservicecorps.org

BELMONT SERVICE CORPS:

Belmont University Service Corps is an organization comprised of students of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Service Corps members strive to make positive and lasting contributions to the music industry by dedicating their time and energy to numerous causes and events in exchange for hands-on industry experience. In addition to providing students with excellent networking opportunities, Service Corps provides a venue for self-motivated students to cultivate effective communication skills and management proficiency. These skills, coupled with dedication and a passion for quality performance, help prepare Service Corps members to meet the challenges presented in an ever growing and changing music industry.

Past Events Worked:
• Academy of Country Music Awards • Grammy® Awards • Latin Grammy® Awards • Americana Music Festival • CMT Music Awards • Country Music Association Awards • CMA Radio Remote • CMA Music Fest (Fan Fair) • Inspirational Country Music Awards • Country Radio Seminar • Miller Harris Golf Tournament • Dove Awards • GMA Week • Live From Nashville! Radio Remote • Americana Folk Festival • South By Southwest • Tin Pan South • Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) • Music Video Extras

CONTACT:
Amanda French
Publicist
Belmont Service Corps
502.419.8934
frencham@pop.belmont.edu