Knockout Homelessness, Round 16
Tuesday, Feb. 18 @ 5:30 pm
The Erie City Mission and the Bizzarro Family will step into
the ring once again to fight homelessness head on in this year's
16th annual Knockout Homelessness fundraising event.
Knockout Homelessness - Round 16
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the
Bayfront Convention Center
5:30 PM – Doors Open for viewing of auction and raffle items
6-9:30 PM – Dinner and Exhibitions
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, exhibition boxing, a silent auction, and raffle.
Proceeds from this fundraiser directly benefit the Erie City Mission's emergency men's shelter.
SOLD OUT!
If you know someone who was unable to reserve tickets, there will be a limited number of walk-up seats available on a first-come, first-served basis on the night of the event. Please note: These seats are viewing only (no meal included). Availability is not guaranteed, so early arrival is encouraged.
Announcing the Round 16 Celebrity Boxers!
Drew Whiting and Gus Pine are Erie City Mission's 2025 Knockout Homelessness celebrity boxers. They are committed to fighting homelessness both inside and outside of the ring. Show you're in their corner by donating to their crowdfunding campaigns.
Click the link of your favorite boxer below and donate to their campaign today!
Drew Whiting,
CEO of Erie Downtown Development Corp. and Co-owner of Five Iron Golf, is stepping into the ring for our main event, duking it out against Lou Bizzarro, Jr.
At 5’10” and 190 lbs, Drew Whiting will step into the ring not just as the CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC) but as a passionate advocate for change. A Buffalo native turned Erie champion by way of Chicago, Drew combines a storied athletic background—including four years in Notre Dame’s Bengal Bouts and participating in the 2016 Chicago Real Estate Rumble—with a deep commitment to community revitalization. As a husband to an Erieite, father of two (soon to be three), and co-owner of Five Iron Golf Erie, Drew has quickly settled into Erie and made it his home. His involvement with the Erie City Mission reflects his belief in holistic solutions for the community's most vulnerable. Whether braving Tough Mudders, marathons, or the boxing ring, Drew’s drive is fueled by the hope of inspiring others to engage in meaningful support for the homeless. “Everyone is two decisions away from being in the same situation,” Drew reminds us, as he fights to knock out homelessness and create lasting impact.
"The Erie City Mission and its dedicated employees provide hope, and that’s why we show up in support."
Gus Pine,
Executive Director of Erie Events, will be lacing up his gloves in our second co-feature bout of the night, duking it out against Anthony Bizzarro.
At 5’10” and 173 lbs, Gus Pine enters the ring as the Executive Director of Erie Events and a devoted advocate for his community. A graduate of the University of Virginia and a former high school standout in wrestling, football, and baseball, Gus brings a lifetime of athletic discipline and leadership to the fight. Inspired by his wife’s work with the Erie City Mission, Gus has witnessed firsthand the organization’s transformative impact, from helping individuals overcome addiction to providing critical support to those in need. As a husband, father of two daughters, and community leader, Gus dedicates his time to giving back and supporting causes that uplift Erie’s community. By stepping into the ring, he hopes to inspire others to get involved with ECM and its mission to “Knock Out” homelessness, proving every effort counts in the fight for change.
“Many people are a single pay check away from being in financial distress. The ECM is an organization that steps in when people have nowhere else to turn. While there are many organizations doing positive work in our community, I couldn’t think of a better group to support.”
Exhibition Fight: Abdullah Ghazala vs. Elias Caraballo
Get ready for an inspiring exhibition match featuring two fighters stepping into the ring for a cause. At 114 lbs and 5’5”, Abdullah Ghazala brings two years of boxing experience and 10 amateur fights to the bout. Motivated by his belief in the Erie City Mission’s work, Abdullah is determined to help rally support in the fight against homelessness. Facing him is Elias Caraballo, a 117 lb, 5’6” newcomer to the sport with just two months of boxing experience. Drawing on his basketball background and a desire to inspire his peers, Elias is committed to raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved in helping their community. This clash of skill and determination promises to be as impactful outside the ring as it is thrilling inside. Don’t miss it!
Announcing the Round 16 Celebrity Referees!
Chris Gray, Ph.D.,
Founding President Co: Erie County Community College, will be reffing our Main Event of the night, Drew Whiting duking it out against Lou Bizzarro Jr.
Dr. Chris Gray brings his dedication to education, workforce development, and community empowerment to the ring as the celebrity referee for the highly anticipated bout between Drew Whiting and Lou Bizzarro Jr. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and a deep belief in breaking down barriers, Dr. Gray is committed to addressing the challenges of homelessness, particularly its impact on students and the community. He admires the Erie City Mission’s work in creating hope and providing resources for those facing housing insecurity. By participating in this event, he hopes to inspire others to take action, reminding everyone that even small efforts can create ripples of change. A champion of collaboration, advocacy, and service, Dr. Gray strives to strengthen Erie County for all its residents.
If one person sees the impact ECM has and decides to lend a hand, the chain reaction can change lives and, in turn, strengthen our community.
Elizabeth Hirz,
Erie County District Attorney, will be reffing our Second Co-Feature of the night, Gus Pine duking it out against Anthony Bizzarro.
Elizabeth Hirz, brings a wealth of experience and community dedication to her role as the celebrity referee for the match between Gus Pine and Anthony Bizzarro. A native of Falconer, NY, Elizabeth earned her law degree from Ohio Northern University and has served in the Erie County DA’s Office for over 20 years, handling high-profile cases including homicides and child abuse prosecutions. Beyond her legal career, Elizabeth is deeply involved in the community, serving on several boards, including the Mercy Center for Women, which provides housing and support for women and mothers facing addiction and mental health challenges. She is particularly passionate about addressing the growing number of homeless youth in Erie County, advocating for collaborative, community-wide solutions. Elizabeth hopes her participation inspires others to "show up" and help those in need. She lives in Fairview with her husband, Geoff, and daughter, Cora.
It doesn’t take anything more than just showing up to help in whatever capacity is needed at that moment.
P.J. Monella,
Chief of Staff to Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, will be reffing our Exhibition Fight of the night between Abdullah Ghazala vs. Elias Caraballo
Chief of Staff to Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, brings his dedication to public service and passion for community advocacy to the ring as the celebrity referee for the exhibition fight between Abdullah Ghazala and Elias Caraballo. With three years of experience leading one of the busiest legislative offices in Pennsylvania, P.J. has worked tirelessly to resolve thousands of constituent cases across the state. A former CEO of the Greater Erie Board of Realtors, P.J. has championed affordable and fair housing initiatives, recognizing the profound impact housing has on education, employment, and health. As a proud advocate for the Erie City Mission and its mission to combat homelessness, P.J. hopes his participation inspires others to support those in need. Residing on Erie’s lower East side with his fiancé Natasha, two “bonus” daughters, and their dog Shiloh, P.J. continues to serve the community and is a candidate for Magisterial District Judge this year.
"Housing is such an important issue, and we must continue our efforts to bring awareness to our friends and neighbors that there are others in our community that are not as privileged to have a place to call home."
"Thank You" Round 16 Sponsors!
Main Event Sponsor
Program Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Bout Sponsors
Fight Sponsors
Committee to Elect Chuck Nelson
Erie County District Attorney's Office
MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP.
Knockout Sponsors
Round Sponsors
Monacella Massage & Kinesiology
Interested in sponsoring this year's event?
Sponsorship tiers are still available until January 31, 2025.
Donations towards the auction and raffle are also needed.
Download the proposal below.
For more information contact Katie Peppers at 814-452-4421 x262 or Katie.Peppers@eriecitymission.org
