CHD Boxing Club is out of the woods.
Owner Tracey Mason Sr. was in danger of having to close his club when he said “some promises couldn’t be kept” and he didn’t get approved for other funding.
The C.H.D. (for Condition, Heart, Discipline) Boxing Club emerged in spring 2019, after a health condition spurred Mason to want to give back. He also hoped the boxing club at 2505 E. 9th St. in Wichita would be a good influence in the neighborhood and encourage youths to make wise choices.
The club, with free training for youths ages 8 to 17, has proven to provide a positive influence on program participants. In addition, Mason operates a “community fridge and food pantry” program out of the facility. Closing the club would also have meant an end to that program.
A CHD boxer, Tajahnae Stocker organized a “Go Fund Me ” on Facebook and a cash app at $CHDINC3 to try to raise enough money to pay rent and food to restock the pantry.
“The community’s love and support was outstanding,” Mason said. The effort raised more than $5,330, enough to keep the club in operation until October.
In addition to the donations, he now has another fundraiser in the works, thanks to an offer of a venue at Villa Boxing Club from owner/coach Jacob Villa.
The “Back2School Boxoff” will be Saturday, Sept. 2 at Villa Boxing Club, 2780 S. Roosevelt.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the amateur boxing matches begin at 5 p.m.
General admission is $20 with ringside tables at $200.
