Marlo Lehsen and Hunter Trombetta
18 minutes ago
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – A legendary American boxer was a special guest at a fundraising event for college students in Texarkana.
Farmers Bank and Trust Texarkana held its annual distinguished speaker fundraiser Thursday. This event benefits community college students seeking further education.
“This event funds scholarships for local students transferring from Texarkana College to Texas A&M University Texarkana,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, president and CEO of Texas A&M University Texarkana.
This year's speaker is former Boxing champion turned motivational speaker “Sugar” Ray Leonard.
“It's just phenomenal that this is such a great event and that we have guest speakers like 'Sugar' Ray Leonard here,” said James Bramlett, president of Farmers Bank and Trust. It is about motivating and inspiring not only the local community but also the students of the university and inspiring them to continue their journey. ”
In addition to hearing Leonard's story, donors had the opportunity to meet with the former champion and share lessons learned throughout his extraordinary career both in and out of the ring.
“That's it. You can do it. If you put your mind to it, if you put your mind to it, you can do it. And this is what I'm talking about. I'm talking about being optimistic and believing in yourself. Because if you don't, no one else will believe you,” Leonard said. “You're like a fighter. You get knocked down, but you get back up. Believe in yourself. People tell you what you can't be, no, they tell you you can be.”
Last year's event raised $73,000 in scholarships. Organizers are hoping this year's speakers will help raise the $100,000 mark.
