Alfonso Gomez Visits Para Los Niños

Fighter delivers toys to L.A. school with World Boxing Hall of Fame  

Popular boxer Alfonso S. Gomez (18-4-2, 8 KOs) surprised the children at the Para Los Niños Family Learning Complex and Charter School by delivering toys to the students at the Los Angeles, California facility. This special visit was planned by the World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF), in association with Para Los Niños, and took place this past Tuesday.

The date of January 6 was chosen by WBHF Secretary Deanna Marinez because of Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Day of the Three Kings). This holiday is celebrated in the Hispanic culture in honor of the Three Wise Men’s arrival in Bethlehem bearing gifts for baby Jesus. Fiestas are held on this day with the annual tradition of the Three Kings Cake with a baby (plastic doll) hidden inside the sweet bread. Good luck is supposed to go to whomever finds the doll and they also have to host the next party if they find the baby. 

The timing of this toy giveaway was perfect for the non-profit boxing organization as Secretary Perez explains, “This is a big holiday for us so I thought this day would make it even more meaningful for everyone.” 

Joining Perez and the WBHF at the Para Los Niños headquarters was the Guadalajara-born Gomez, who in the ring scored victories over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, Peter Manfredo Jr., Jesse Feliciano and many others before his loss to Miguel Cotto last year.

While waiting for the stuffed animals, dolls, superhero play sets, and toy cars to be handed out, the excited boys and girls swarmed the charismatic Gomez, wanting to give the friendly boxer high-fives and jabs as he playfully showed them how to throw some punches.

“I also was able to show them how to punch better and make their wrists stronger!” Alfonso jokes.

He was happy to be of service to the young fans and local media that gathered at the charity event, “The best thing about today is the kids andmaking them smile. The fact that we were able to give them presents was great.”

Alfonso, a fan favorite from the first season of “The Contender” reality TV series, looks to return to the ring this year. But for now the welterweight has been very busy with his band Hy3rid, formed with his brothers Robb and “Dr. Zeuz.” The three brothers’ second CD, a blend of hip hop and broken Español, will be released this Spring.

When asked what the Gomez family was doing later in the evening for Día de los Tres Reyes, the fighter said, “Well, there’s just five of us in my family, so we don’t do the Rosca (sweet bread) with the baby in it. But we do it if there’s a bigger family event.”

Both Alfonso and Robb Gomez, active in the music world and the boxing world, have recently been getting more and more involved with the boxing community. They made sure to take time to visit this charter school and had a good time spending the day with the children. Robb says, “All the kids were really excited and were really into it. I can see they appreciate all the toys!”

The generous donation of toys were collected by the WBHF at their 2nd Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive held last month in time for Día de los Tres Reyes.

WBHF President Adolfo Perez enjoys the Mexican tradition with his family, “After Christmas, we have a lottery in our family and whoever picks the number has to have a party, it’s customary for Latin and Catholic people. Today is special and I’m happy to be here for the kids, some who may not have received any toys over the holidays. It’s always nice to have the fighters help out too.”

Young fighter Walter “School Boy” Sarnoi (2-0) was there to give a hand as well, coming straight from the gym to support the group. The 22-year-old Thai-American boxer will be fighting next month in Lemoore, California at the Tachi Palace on February 6. Fluent in Spanish, Sarnoi enjoyed hanging out with the kids at the school.

Kristen McGuiness, Development Manager for Para Los Niños, cheerfully greeted the boxers and board members at the beginning of the afternoon saying, “The kids know that the boxers and toys are coming–they’re so excited!” She explained that there are over 500 kids total in attendance at this facility alone and the toys will be going to the children enrolled in an after-school program. President and CEO Gisselle Acevedo also thanked the group for coming out and spending time at the downtown L.A. building.

Since its inception in 1980, Para Los Niños assists, children, youth and families from some of Los Angeles County’s most economically-challenged neighborhoods, including Skid Row, South L.A., Pico-Union, East L.A, and Ontario in the San Bernardino County. Their mission statement is “Helping children succeed.” Besides the charter school, there is also an on-site child development center with after-school programs and family services offered.

After all the toys were doled out to the delighted youngsters, the fighters and the WBHF were given a tour of all the buildings by KristenMcGuiness and the school’s employees. The boxers were impressed by what they saw at this charter school. 

Super bantamweight Sarnoi was enthusiastic about the fun day spent at Para Los Niños, “We went on a tour of the school and it was great to see how the kids are developing and we also got to see all of their artwork they’ve done.” The Golden Gloves champ then added, “It was a great experience to know that our time and people’s donations are going to benefit children and help them grow with education. ”

WBHF board member Hassan Chitsaz was also at the event with his two boxing belts in tow. The 50-year-old boxer has a WBA Fedecaribe Championship belt and the distinction of being the first Iranian-American champion.

Also in attendance were Vice President Julian Eget and Board of Directors Adolfo Perez Jr., Steve Harpst, Gwen Adair, Henry Vega, Cesar Flores, Alex Cornejo and Frank Martinez. WBC champ Paul Banke’s daughter, Paula Banke and her friend Jackie Valdez also came out to show their support for the two charitable organizations. Since her father wasn’t able to attend, Paula made sure to come out and represent. All were happy to be able to participate in this community event with the children.

Board of Director Frank Martinez, who took the day off from work to join fighters Alfonso Gomez, Walter Sarnoi and the WBHF group help pass out toys, summed it up best, “The kids were all so excited. It was worth it just to see the expression on their faces!”

For more information about Para Los Niños, please go to: www.paralosninos.org

Photos by Michele Chong: Alfonso Gomez, Paula Banke, Jackie Valdez, and Walter Sarnoi; Wearing his Hy3rid bracelet is Henry Vega with the Gomez brothers; Alfonso and Walter; the WBHF Board of Directors; Alfonso interviewed by local media; Julian Eget and Adolfo Perez Sr. with the Para Los Niños students