El Maestro, Inc./ Juan Laporte Boxing Gym is a grass-roots, not-for-profit which receives no funding and survives through the love and dedication of its founder, Fernando "Ponce" Laspina, and his brother, Pedro.
They train both men and women boxers from the neighborhood, as well as mentor and counsel children and families.
One special success story is the gym's "dream couple" - pro boxer, Jose Rodriguez "Silver Boy," and his Golden Glove champ fiance, Natalie Pacheco. Jose was a troubled kid who was saved from gangs and the street through the love and guidance of Ponce and Pedro. Today he and his fiance work out and train together at the gym and are looking at a bright, positive future.
You can see them and some more pictures here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.
What we are seeking is to raise (get ready) $30,000. and will begin a five day on-site project to refurbish the gym/center. Our goal is to create a safe, beautiful space that serves their needs for the services and programs that they provide. We aim to create a study area, a dance area, an office area with computers, a refurbished gym area, better storage spaces and a permanent outside wall (currently it is a rolling metal garage door).
The needs are great, but our hearts and hopes are greater.
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