BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – Former lightweight boxing champion Ray “Bumbun” Mancini is helping raise money for local families in need.
Through his foundation, Mancini will host a bowling event this weekend to benefit 14-year-old Demetrius Lockett, who is battling leukemia.
“This is just a quality individual. He's just a great kid. He just wants a chance to be a kid, that's all,” Mancini said. “I want to give him a chance to be a kid, because he's been through so much.”
The Ellen Mancini Memorial Bowl, named in honor of his mother, became an annual event. This year, they hope to raise thousands of dollars for the Lockett family with “Bowling with Boom Boom” at Boardman Lanes.
Mancini also fulfilled his promise to the youngster.
“He told me he loved boxing and all martial arts, so he said, 'Will you train me?'” I said, “You're going to get through this and go to the gym. Let's go,'' he said. I'll take you to the gym and work with you,'' Mancini said.
There are still sports available to participate in this weekend's event. He bowls in teams during two time slots: 3pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9pm. Individual bowlers are also welcome.
The cost is $40 per person or $200 per team. Contact Renee Rasile at 330-423-9045 or renee@gonatasrealestate.com to register.
“Our work is really short-term. We're trying to help someone come on board who will support us in the long term, maybe another company or foundation. We want to be part of that. I want to be,” Mancini says. “We want this to not be a one-time thing, but to help them in the short term and then someone to continue to help them in the long term. That's what they need. The young man has been through a lot. He's just a great young man. Give him a chance to be a kid.”
