I was not the least bit interested in boxing until I saw EPABC in action changing lives. It is a NPO, anti-delinquency program for disadvantaged youth. Boxing demands personal fitness & self discipline, promotes ambition & personal accomplishment, helps refocus, relieve stress and aggression. EPABC has excellent role models and mentors & strong affiliations with Stanford University personnel & programs. It is an emotionally "safe" place to seek counsel and support in addition to physical fitness (anti obesity, etc) for both men and women. See: http://www.epaboxingclub.org/mission I have been in the fundraising field for almost 25 years, mostly at Stanford and CAL.
*** I have seen first hand that $1 given to EPABC is worth about a $5 investment to its mission of changing the lives of needy, vulnerable, benevolent youth!***
EPABC also does a great job keeping youth in high school and helping them get into colleges. I am proud to support this organization!
Dolly Patterson
Review from Guidestar
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The impact of the East Palo Alto Boxing Club has had such a positive impact on the youth of the community. It is truly inspiring when a non-profit can really reach that level and affect so many lives.
Teaching youth discipline and providing a positive atmosphere is exactly what they provide.
This club reaches out to the most vulnerable and at-risk youth in EPA. The founder Johnnie Gray Jr. has created a safe and positive environment for the kids to gather daily, stay off the streets, learn discipline and hard work, gain fitness, and be part of a friendly, nurturing community. Johnnie has poured his heart and soul into saving these kids. Below are the stats from just this man's hard work and dedication. So with some help from donors he will be able to continue his club and help more kids.
+ More than 50% of club members have attributed ALL of the following to the club: avoiding harmful activities, improved school attendance and performance, improved relationships with friends and family, healthier diet, better at managing emotions
+ More than 80% of club members have attributed ALL of the following to the club: increased fitness, increased confidence, better willpower, and overall happiness with life
+ Over 600 total registrants since 2009, with ~10 new per month
+ 150-200 active club members with 20-40 participants DAILY
+ Extremely lean operations