To raise money for local charities — including the Long Island Community Chest, the Genesis School, and Family Residences and Essential Enterprises — Sal Ferro is putting on a pair of boxing gloves.
The 49-year-old CEO of Alure Home Improvements will be competing in Long Island’s tenth annual Fight for Charity. At the November 25 event at the Hilton is Melville, Ferro goes head-to-head with 20 of Long Island’s top businessmen in a ten-round bout.
He is currently training intensively to be worthy of the gloves.
The thoughtful businessman has been in the remodeling business for over 30 years. He is a major contributor to the local community, supporting numerous charities and local families in need. He has overseen no less than eight renovations for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Even though he does not have a history of boxing, Ferro was drawn to the charity event.
“I was very impressed with what the charity has done over the years, and the effort that they’ve put in,” he said. “It is fun and worthwhile, and it definitely raises money for charities.”
He has committed to train and put his boxing gloves on. “I wanted to do something different and that would also make a statement,” he explained. “I wanted to go out there and raise money as well as inspire others to also help support charities.”
Ferro is hoping to shed some pounds and to get into tip-top shape through his training process. He has arranged a supportive management team, and been working later hours to make up the time he spends in workouts. “I am confident that my plan to train and raise money will be successful,” he said.
He has been preparing for the big day by running, stretching and working out at his gym at home. He has also been training with certified trainers: Robert Vanacore and Blaise
Danetra from Fitness through Boxing in East Northport.
Vanacore described his workout with Ferro for the last few weeks as “lots of conditioning drills to work on his stamina, some basic punching combinations, and lots of leg- and foot-work.” “Sal is a student of boxing,” he said of his apprentice. “He’ll be ready for November 25.”
Since Ferro has begun training for this event, his respect for the sport has grown. He says he’ll add boxing to his workout regimen after the match.
“My respect for the effort that boxers put in has definitely grown,” he said. “It is more than throwing punches in the ring. It is a challenge, it is intimidating, and it is a lot of work.”
More than 1,200 people are expected to attend “Fight for Charity,” and raise more than $200,000 to replenish The Long Island Community Chest.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and boxing begins at 6:30 p.m. Local restaurants will provide food and beverages.
To support Ferro or any of the boxers, visit http://conta.cc/10NvZ8T. For sponsorship information or tickets, visit www.lifightforcharity.org or call 877-240-7821.
