“Rumble in the Jungle” show benefits two charities
“Marconi Fight Night 12″ was held last Friday night at the Marconi Automotive Museum and Foundation for Kids in Tustin, California. This year’s annual gala event, with a “Rumble in the Jungle” theme, featured a live boxing show and festive dinner to raise funds for this year’s chosen non-profit organizations.
Dick and Priscilla “Bo” Marconi were at the helm of this unique soirée. Their names are synonymous with philanthropic endeavors around Orange County and beyond. They are well-known in giving over one million dollars a year to help make a difference for at-risk youth in the area. The Marconi Foundation for Kids and Augie’s Quest are the two charities that will benefit from this always sold-out fight night.
Dick and his brother, Ray, are veterans of the fight game and two gentlemen I am honored to have befriended through boxing. Dick has been involved in many aspects of the sweet science, including amateur boxer, manager, promoter and founder of World Fighters Inc. The Marconis were also longtime family friends of legendary cutman Chuck Bodak.
Greeting the enthusiastic and jovial Dick Marconi at the entrance, the health and fitness entrepreneur excitedly told me to go check out the new wall honoring our mutual friend Chuck. Amidst the over $30 million dollars worth of rare exotic cars showcased in the Marconi collection sits a little Fiat covered in a handmade Bodak collage. Scraps of paper, magazines, posters, fight memorabilia were all painstaking glued onto this auto by the eccentric but lovable trainer and cornerman, best known for working with Oscar De La Hoya. The “Golden Boy’s” truck (given to him after he won an Olympic Gold Medal) with a hand-painted portrait of the welterweight is showcased near Chuck’s vehicle. On the wall are other awards, photos and mementoes featuring both De La Hoya and Bodak. Behind steel doors, close to these cars, sits a boxcar stuffed with boxing history and trinkets collected by Bodak. After the cutman’s passing last year, the Marconis keep his memory and legacy alive through their first-class museum which is filled with formula race cars, muscle cars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more.
During this once-a-year special event, their museum’s center floor and some of their sleek cars were temporarily cleared out to make room for a full-sized boxing ring! With their love of the sport rock solid, Dick and Bo have continued to host this live boxing and kickboxing show for 12 years now. Popular promoter Roy Englebrecht has worked hand in hand, glove to glove, with the couple to showcase a rousing night of fights for all ticket holders. “I think Roy Englebrecht does an outstanding job and really works hard to put on a good show,” Bo says of the six bouts featured, “and I just loved the show!”
From the energy of the packed crowd, it was crystal clear that everyone loved the show. From the get-go, it was truly a night to remember. While enjoying appetizers, guests were able to bid on a silent auction held in the foyer of the museum. The silent auction touted everything from exclusive theatre tickets, autographed film posters, signed boxing gloves, Lakers tickets, and once-in-a-lifetime dream vacations. The crown jewel in the room were paintings by accomplished artist and abstract expressionist, Dick Marconi himself. His works are featured in the Galleria Marconi in Orange County but on this night, the winning bid won you his much-coveted artwork.
As the guests made their way into the main venue for the opening ceremonies, there was a VIP area 
with several celebrity guests (including surfer Garrett McNamara, NFL players and college football stars), a Martini bar, raffle prize drawings, and photo ops with an eye-catching “Tarzan and Jane” trio. Amanda, Jolene and David were decked out in jungle-inspired outfits and also served as ring card girls (and boy) when the live bouts took place. The attendees also got a chance to meet two puppies that were participating in the live auction, all in the name of raising more funds for the charities.
As the dinner began, those at the tables enjoyed tender braised short ribs while cheering on their favorite fighters and kickboxers. At this charity fight night, the athletes really gave it all they had. Both male and female fighters engaged in competitive action with several knockdowns taking place. Not only did they fight for braggin’ rights, but they also fought for the grand Marconi Belt championship.
Undefeated lightweight Sharif Bogere got the ring action started with a bang. Nicknamed the “Lion Warrior,” the Ugandan fighter made a special appearance to kick off the fights. Accompanied by four warriors wearing loincloths and a female vocalist in a fancy golden gown, it was a walkout worthy of any Broadway musical and got everyone really revved up! And did I mention that Sharif (wearing a lion skin costume) entered the ring in a metal cage? When the door opened, the lion-like fighter was unleashed to the “roar” of the crowd. In the jungle, the mighty jungle–what a way to begin the fights! During breaks in the action, things remained just as lively with a hip-hop crew of 
breakdancers entertaining everyone with their fancy moves.
Sandwiched in between the six bouts of boxing and Muay Thai fighting was the famous Marconi live auction. As they graciously named it “The Big Ask,” for the many associates, colleagues and friends of the effervescent Marconi couple, their request was answered by “Ask and ye shall receive.” In keeping the Marconi Foundation for Kids and Augie’s Quest in their minds, the audience opened up their hearts–and their wallets–to support these worthwhile causes. Their big reward for donating was knowing the money goes to children and adults in need.
Up for grabs were a signed “Avatar” framed poster, an autographed Rolling Stone “tongue” guitar, golf excursions, a ride on a Gulfstream jet, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and so much more. Extreme surfing world champ Garrett McNamara was brought inside the ropes as part of the live auction. The winning bid won a trip to Hawaii and surfing lessons from the tow-in surfer known as “G-Mac.” Garrett helped raise $16,000 for this item alone, a priceless experience. Also up for bid were the two precious puppies, a Llaso Apso and a Golden Retriever.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Dick,” says one of the top bidders of the evening, and new owner of the adorable Retriever. Mark Fox, President of IdeaSphere, Twinlab etc., looks to Marconi as an invaluable mentor–and trusted friend. “I’ve known him for almost 20 years,” he tells me. “Dick’s one of the most amazing human beings.”
Mark was holding the prized pooch, who after a spirited bidding war, garnered 15 grand for the 
charities. I asked him how he first met the entrepreneur. He chuckles a bit before confiding, “We were on ‘opposite’ sides of a deal when we first met!” Fox, a well-respected COO of a top company himself whose products are offered worldwide, goes on to say about his mentor, “I now work with 105 countries–but I STILL call Dick and ask him for advice!”
As if on cue, the man of the evening joins us at the table. Dick is warm and friendly, unchanged in his down-to-earth persona that stems from his hardscrabble Gary, Indiana childhood. As we play with the Golden Retriever pup, I ask Mark what he thinks is Marconi’s secret to success.
“Being honest is his best quality,” Fox replies. Dick is also appreciative of everybody’s support; I noticed on a wall as museum guests exit, a message is painted, “Thanks…For helping us help kids!” His children’s foundation and Augie’s Quest will certainly benefit from Friday’s gathering.
“Augie’s Quest” is named for its amazing namesake Augie Nieto, who has been battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) for the past five years. This organization raises funds for research efforts in hopes of finding more effective treatments, and someday, a cure for this disease.
Augie and his wife Lynne were the heroes of the evening. During the silent auction I had the chance to chat with several of the terrific volunteers at the show. Courtney Janes knows Augie from working at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She was happy to dedicate her time at the event that will benefit Augie’s organization. “He’s really excited about this,” she said. “This is a great night; and there has been amazing support from the Marconis!”
Later into the program, Lynne and Augie were introduced to the patrons. Lynne continues to inspire by announcing to the guests that since Augie’s 2005 diagnosis, “Over 22 million dollars has been raised for new drug treatments and finding a cure. Let’s keep the momentum going!”
“Although I didn’t get a chance to visit Augie much throughout the night, I saw him at the very beginning,” showrunner Bo Marconi tells me a couple of days after the benefit dinner. “He was really excited and happy to have so many people there that he knows and that have supported Augie’s Quest!”
I was honored to meet the Nietos before the night got underway. Augie was a pioneer in the fitness industry (Lifecycle, Life Fitness) who is now incapacitated due to the raging affects of ALS. But this man does not need words spoken or a firm handshake to communicate. Through his fate, he is touching the lives of many–and spreading hope to others in finding better drug therapy and someday, a cure. If you want to be inspired (like I was) you must read his book, “Augie’s Quest,” about “one man’s journey from success to significance” His life is truly significant, multiplied by a thousand times over! Augie is my hero.
During this fundraising event, my other hero, the “Hostess with the Mostest” Bo Marconi thanked her committee, sponsors, attendees, participants and volunteers all their efforts. She is at the helm of a top-notch team of individuals all dedicated to bettering the lives of at-risk kids. The radiant Bo, who’s CEO of the foundation, serves as a role model for many; she is a dynamic woman who has championed many causes. She remains so humble, but it didn’t surprise me when I learned she is the very first female Chair of the Covenant House Board of Directors. Both she and her husband Dick (both former race car drivers!) are tireless in their generosity and giving. “Learn, Earn and Return” is the way they live their lives. Bo and Dick, a vitamin mogul and health industry pioneer, do all they can to give back.
Introduced in the ring, Dick spoke to the sold-out crowd, “Thank you for the last 12 years, to all the wonderful people who have helped raised millions of dollars!”
The husband and wife have successfully reached their amazing goal through “Marconi Fight Night 12.″ “The highlight was achieving our goal of $500,000!” his gorgeous counterpart Bo says. “And that’s a net number,” she marvels. “Isn’t that great?!”
Yes, it is great and it’s quite remarkable that these funds will go to the two charities, impacting and enriching the lives of others–the ones who need it the most–at-risk youth and Augie’s Quest. The dynamic duo make it look effortless as they raise half a million dollars to give back to the less fortunate. They provide the best knockout punch ever in always giving back to others.
It was non-stop thrills and excitement the entire night, but the most impressive thing about their fundraiser was how this one night will really change the lives of so many. We were seated at a wonderful table that we were honored and delighted to join that included the sophisticated and fun Donna Bunce, Executive Editor of Coast magazine, and the awesome James Harker family. Donna, James, an attorney (and expert wine connoisseur), his wife and their two handsome nephews made the evening even more special.
Their annual event is such an extraordinary affair that I just may run out of adjectives to describe it all. See for yourself–here are some snapshots from the “Fight Night” fundraiser.
And ladies and gentlemen, the NEW countdown begins…’Til next year’s “MARCONI FIGHT NIGHT”!
Thank you to Dick and Bo Marconi for a great “Marconi Fight Night 12.”
For more information:
www.augiesquest.org
www.marconimuseum.org
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst