Boxing Hall of Famer Marvin McDowell founded UMAR Boxing to enrich the lives of Baltimore’s most disadvantaged youth. Combining academic development and athletics, UMAR Boxing is a free, nonprofit after-school program that offers tutoring from certified teachers and expert boxing trainers. The result is a positive and safe environment where children can grow academically while developing sportsmanship and integrity. Bozzuto is proud to support McDowell’s ongoing efforts to train the body, mind and heart of its student athletes.

Through the collaborative efforts of Marvin McDowell and Bozzuto’s Dave Schorr and Jeff Kayce, the Boxing For Books fundraiser provides UMAR Boxing with roughly 30 percent of the program’s annual budget. Since 2011, in partnership with many local sponsors such as War Horse and Gallagher Evelius and Jones, Bozzuto has raised nearly $300,000 through this fundraiser.

Hosted poolside at Anthem House, Bozzuto’s newest apartment community in Baltimore, the Boxing For Books event will include live music from DJ Smoky of The Starboard in Dewey Beach, food and drinks from Main & Market Catering and Union Craft Brewery, and a silent auction of Baltimore sports memorabilia. In addition, some talented students will demonstrate their boxing techniques and footwork inside a regulation ring during a sparring match, with McDowell and his training team providing commentary. Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh will attend and offer remarks on what this 20-year long program has meant for Baltimore City.

UMAR Boxing’s daily schedule consists of two hours of tutoring by on-site teachers. Students can use more than a half-dozen computers, a resource to which they would otherwise never have access. Once they have completed their work, the students begin boxing sessions. Each year, roughly 45-50 students join the program and most of them graduate in the top 30 percent of their respective class.

“The key to success in life is education,” said UMAR Boxing Founder Marvin McDowell. “But many of the kids I work with are either uninterested in school, have very little support or don’t see the value in education. This program helps motivate them to learn through boxing. They gain discipline, confidence and self-esteem to overcome the adversity they face in Baltimore every day.”

“The No Hooks Before Books program is a critical resource for at-risk youth in Baltimore,” says Jeff Kayce, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Bozzuto Development Company. “UMAR Boxing is focused on social change and helping to improve the lives of kids who don’t have the resources or support many of us take for granted. Marvin combines athleticism and education to build self-confidence and integrity in these kids.”

“Our motto is, ‘Education is mandatory’,” adds McDowell.

Complimentary parking is available in the Anthem House garage. Ticket prices start at $80, with three sponsorship levels available. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.boxingforbooks.com.