Although it was pouring rain in Hollywood, CA on Saturday February 19, 2011, the stars were shining bright on the red carpet at the 1st Annual Fighting For A Cause Benefit to Knock Out Dog Fighting!
The star-studded benefit was hosted by celebrity photographer Christopher Ameruoso and comedienne/actress Debra Wilson. Professional fighters and celebrities came together to support the Knock Out Dog Fighting program and what we do to stop cruelty and abuse in our communities.
Attending the event were model/actress Lana Tailor, actor Phil Morris, television anchor/host Karyn Bryant, actor/martial arts legend TJ Storm, MMA legend Bas Rutten, model/television host Bonnie-Jill Laflin, actor/martial arts legend James Lew, actor/martial arts legend Jerry Trimble, actress Ami Dolenz, actor Matthew Jaeger, actress/television host Pili Montilla, MMA fighter Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, boxing superstar Shawn Estrada, martial arts legend Michael Matsuda, actress/musician T Lopez, actor/martial arts legend Don "The Dragon" Wilson, former Mr. Universe Doug Burns, former pro wrestler Louis Velazquez, actor Brad Johnson, actor Bart Johnson, professional boxer Rich Power, actor Hank Garrett, actor Sebastian Sarceno, actor Ronald Clark, MMA fighter Kim Couture, comedienne Rebecca Corry, comedian Cisco, the LA Matadors and many more!
The incredibly talented Debra Wilson inspired and motivated everyone to get involved in the fight so the Knock Out Dog Fighting program can continue to stop cruelty and abuse in all it's forms. (see video below)
Check back often as more interviews with the celebrities will be posted in the month of March!
Click Here For More Photos From The Event!!!!
Click Here For More Photos From The Event!!!!
The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization program Knock Out Dog Fighting, is a one-of-a kind award-winning youth intervention program that has become a national leader in stopping cruelty and abuse to both humans and animals.
The Knock Out Dog Fighting program works with professional boxers and MMA fighters in partnership with schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, juvenile detention centers, gang prevention task forces and law enforcement agencies to stop cruelty and abuse. We have been recognized for our work by the White House, the American Red Cross, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the American Institute For Public Service, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.), and many others. We are also the group that animal lovers around the world turn to for solutions to "knock out dog fighting".
In addition to rescuing, caring for and re-homing dogs that are victims of cruelty, we work with children and young adults to teach them that it's not a sign of strength, power or greatness to fight, torture or abuse animals. Who better to do this than the toughest men and women on the planet? We do this by helping young people develop self-discipline, honor, respect for themselves and others -- values that are the cornerstone of the martial arts. Most of the kids we work with come from broken homes or abusive situations so we help them make better choices, develop empathy for animals, self-respect and healthy lifestyles. We mentor and provide guidance and the tools and resources they need to overcome their obstacles and to become champions in life.
The Knock Out Dog Fighting program is working to end violence in our communities by stopping the abuse and torture of dogs used for dog fighting. Dog fighting is animal abuse and there is a direct link between those who abuse animals and those who go on to commit violent crimes against people. In a home with an animal abuser, more often than not their is also child abuse, spousal abuse or elder abuse. People abuse animals for the same reasons they abuse people. If we can stop a child from abusing an animal, we not only save the animals, we save our children and our communities!
Our mission is to create positive change by knocking out cruelty and abuse in all its forms; animal, child, spousal and elder. We have mobilized the boxing, MMA and combat sports communities to join us in the fight to protect those that can’t protect themselves and to knock out cruelty and abuse in their communities.
Our hope is that everyone reading this joins us so we can raise a generation of kids that have empathy for others and don't think abuse is acceptable or a sign of power.