The Valley Chronicle - Boxing for Christ block partyng

A new community event made for everyone

[caption id="attachment_17088" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Photos by Jenna Robinson
The main attraction inside the gym was the sparring ring.[/caption] ■ By Jenna Robinson / Contributed Nestled behind Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto is the hidden gem that is Sallee Park, a spacious and beautiful venue for the first annual Boxing for Christ Community Block Party and where the organization is located. From a well-coordinated car show to vendors selling delicious hot dogs, tacos, burritos and more, the event was successful in its message, keeping the youth off the street and bringing together the supportive community. Boxing wasn’t the only creative youth-advocating organization at the event. Supporting youth involvement in law enforcement were the San Jacinto Police Explorers, who are trained in crime scene investigation, arrests, rescues, and even compete in competitions. [caption id="attachment_17086" align="alignleft" width="300"] April Harro and Perla Luna are two young women involved in the Explorer’s program. [/caption] The car show was another highly attended attraction, in addition to the sparring in the gym. With beautiful cars from all over Southern California, it’s no wonder why so many people were drawn to it. There were 18 awards were given out for the show including Most Unique, Best Wheels, and Best Oldie, with multiple cars winning more than one award. From highly decorative lowriders to incredibly bass-boosted Jeeps, the car show had everyone’s interest. Blasting from the speakers were popular songs of every genre, new and old, including Bruno Mars and Johnny Cash. These songs certainly did get guests to their feet dancing and celebrating their favorite hits, which led to two dance competitions: one for the kids and one for adults. In between every few songs was a raffle for various items such as $25 gift certificates for popular Hemet and San Jacinto restaurants, oil changes, jewelry, gift baskets, gym memberships and other desirable prizes such as a beautifully painted Police Lives Matter wooden flag. As Sonia Ramos, founder of Boxing for Christ, puts it: “Our goal is promoting and providing a safe haven and healthy environment for our youth and young adults.” This block party certainly brought together a wonderful community of people to do just that, while enjoying tasty food, popular music and a variety of youth interests. [caption id="attachment_17085" align="aligncenter" width="576"] A vintage police cruiser from the car show.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17090" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Valley royalty attended the block party. Left to right: Brooke Brazie (Miss Jr. Teen San Jacinto), Valerie Vandever (Mrs. Hemet), Crystal Banda (Ms. Teen Hemet), Petre Macias (Mrs. San Jacinto), Abbey Ward (Ms. San Jacinto).[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17089" align="aligncenter" width="512"] April Harro and Perla Luna are two young women involved in the Explorer’s program. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_17087" align="aligncenter" width="512"] One of the many colorful cars from the glamorous car show.[/caption]