Celtic Youth Charity Foundation Fundraiser Was A Smash!

The Joyce Clan!

photo by Mike Joyce above (The Cousins of the Joyce Clan celebrate the wonderful showing of Sam Joyce (center) who was swinging like saloon doors on pay-day in the square ring only moments after this picture was snapped.) Sam Joyce and the great James Kitchen

The Celtic Youth Charity Foundation* drew hundreds of boxing fans, boxers and neighbors to 115 Bourbon Street for a score of cards featuring pugs as young as nine years old. Mike Joyce's** massive heart and hands attract friends to a great cause like Milwaukeans to a wedge of cheese.

Luminaries like Boxers Black Irish Kenny Murphy, Irish Johnny Collins, James Kitchen, Jack "Killer" Kilmartin, Morgan McGarry, civic leaders Worth Township Chieftain Johnny O'Sullivan Skinny " The Polar Plunge"  Sheahan, Ald. Matt  O'Shea (Chicago 19th), The Artist Known as Houlie ( Mike Houlihan), Evergreen Park Mayor Jimmy Sexton, Leo Football Coach Mike Holmes, best-selling author John Linehan and defense attorney Frank Avila rubbed shoulders, butts and elbows with union leaders, township officials, Streets and Sanitation Warriors Frank Hodorowicz and Mick Murray and scores of fight fans in the big hall of 115 Bourbon Street last night.

Leo Boxers helped fill the cards for a great event helping to fund a genuine program that actually helps kids avoid the streets, trouble and the thumbing numbing non-sense of video games. Working their corners and helping the ref, were Leo Boxing legends Thomas "The Hitman" Hayes (27-1) and Captain of the U.S. Army Boxing Team, Staff Sergeant Marvin Carey.

All the squares stayed home!



This'll stir the blood of those that have it!

Proceeds will benefit the Celtic Youth Foundation, a sports program whose mission is to coach and mentor young individuals in order to promote health, fitness, work ethic, self-respect, respect for others and a sense of community in these individuals.
Through the foundation’s boxing and other after-school activities it seeks to offer internships, mentorships, scholarships and apprenticeships to deserving youth who participate in our program and adhere to its high standards.
In the past foundation has had its youth train alongside police officers, state’s attorneys, firefighters and other first responders. The results of this interaction between at-risk youth and members of the public service community have been outstanding.
Virtually 100 percent of the program’s participants have gone on to college, the military or organized labor unions. Officials are now expanding the program and desperately need help to do so. They are counting on members of government, business, organized labor, educational institutes, professional sports organizations, the clergy and the media to become involved with the program.
The organization is seeking assistance from the public with mentoring, tutoring, financial assistance and employment opportunities through sponsorship.
That support will make a positive difference in a deserving young person’s life, resulting in safer and stronger communities.
The Celtic Youth Foundation has applied for recognition as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and anticipates receipt of same within the next 180 days. The Celtic Youth Foundation anticipates that donations to the Celtic Youth Foundation are tax deductible as charitable contributions to the fullest extent allowed by law.
For more information, call (773) 779-7266.

** Mike Joyce began boxing as a teenager while attending Leo High School and competed throughout high school and college in amateur boxing tournaments including the CYO, the Chicago Park District and the Golden Gloves. As a boxer Mike had the privilege of being trained by the best coaches in Chicago; Owen Putman, Marty McGarry, Vic Leonard and Herman Mills. Mike capped off a successful amateur boxing career by representing Chicago against the Irish National Boxing Team. After a brief pro boxing career Mike returned to school to obtain his law degree from John Marshall Law School. During law school Mike remained active in boxing by training, managing and promoting up and coming boxers.

In addition to the Celtic Boxing Club, Mike Joyce manages two other boxing gyms under the auspices of the Illinois State Crime Commission/Police Athletic League where he serves as legal counsel for the PAL Boxing Program. Both of these gyms are located in Chicago’s inner city.