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The Masonic Temple has been a part of Detroit’s historic landscape since the 1920’s. The beautiful, grand building is rich both in history and tradition and has been host to many concerts, weddings and sporting events over the years. Now, the Masonic Temple is becoming even more.
Jackie Kallen, one of the first and most successful female managers in boxing has teamed up with local businessman and entrepreneur, Joe Donofrio and Mike Smith of the Masonic Temple Theatre Company to revitalize the Galaxy Boxing Gym currently located in the Masonic Temple. Their vision is to create an inner city gym where anyone can go, free of cost, to learn to box or simply have access to the gym.
Because boxing has always been a huge part of Detroit, turning out some of the best boxers of all time, a boxing gym, opened to all ages, is a great addition to the city. There really is not a better way to give back to the community than to offer a place where kids with troubled backgrounds, executives looking for a good lunch time workout and others in the area can go to reap the benefits of a great boxing workout.
Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, the city of Detroit has lost the majority of its youth programs and centers through the years. The Galaxy Boxing Gym will be a welcome addition, being open to participants of all ages and serving as a safe place for kids to work out and learn to box.
With support from donors, sponsors and local leaders, the Galaxy Boxing Gym will be more than just a place to go to work out, for many it will become a second family. Donofrio explained, “The Galaxy Gym will only survive with individual or corporate sponsors or donors. If we get the community to see what our intentions are, I trust that the donations, that are fully tax deductible, will materialize and allow us to do what our heart and soul seek.”
In addition, the future plan for the gym is to work with Wayne County agencies to give troubled kids an alternative to community service. The idea is to provide them with a safe place to learn discipline and gain self-confidence, all the while choosing a better path in life.
The new gym will be 5,000 square feet, complete with 2 boxing rings, locker rooms, a cardio room and weight room. There will be training essentials available for all those regardless of skill level. There will also be adult cardio kick boxing classes offered on a weekly basis. And the future plan is to team up with the DMC to create a health program for downtown workers and employees living in the city.
In addition to workout and boxing facilities, there will also be 6 boxing shows a year that will be held in the stunning Crystal Ballroom at the Masonic Temple. These exciting events will feature talented boxers from all over the country. The first event to kick off the opening of the new gym will be a fundraiser. Tickets will be $100 and $250 for sponsors. The date will be announced soon.
For more information on becoming a sponsor or donating to the Galaxy Boxing Gym, please contact Joe Donofrio via email at donofrioboxing@comcast.net.
