For the past decade, staff from Darcy McGee's have selflessly volunteered at Ringside, donating ALL proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
Each year, up to thirty of these fabulous people help setting up, tearing down and most importantly - manning the numerous bars at the event. They serve up to 1100 people, always with a smile on their face, never taking a tip, ensuring that every penny raised goes to making this city a better place for our kids. To date they have raised a staggering $137,000!!!
This will be the eleventh year that TSN's Rod Smith has introduced our boxing legends at Ringside. Always a highlight of the night, Rod's extensive knowledge and appreciation of the sport, his eloquence and his uncanny ability to distil the celebrity's bio, while framing it in a historical context, is nothing short of brilliant. As for Rod, the night is special in several ways: "Yes, it’s a great night out for a great cause, but it’s become even more than that for me. It’s like an annual step into the past. I grew up in Ottawa. I’m a big fan of boxing history. So, the chance to meet some of the sport’s legends in my hometown is a thrill beyond compare. It’s not just a great night. It’s my favourite night of the year." Rod Smith. Ringside for Youth - http://www.ringside.ca
Angelo Tsarouchas, our favorite emcee, will be back at Ringside again this year. Angelo has traveled the world and has been a Special Guest on Russell Peters tours in Australia, New Zealand and Dubai but Angie always manages to take time from his hectic schedule to host Ringside for Youth. Watch for Angelo starring in an upcoming movie entitled FRED AND VINNIE - which has just been released. http://www.funnygreek.com/
Gerry Cooney, the former heavyweight contender and a previous celebrity at Ringside is going to be dropping by again this year as a special guest of the organizing committee. Gerry has been a valuable, behind-the-scenes consultant to the event, helping out with his extensive professional connections. Gerry is looking forward to coming back to Ottawa, visiting with his friend Lennox Lewis, and perhaps even squeezing in a round of golf or two while he's here.
The Cooper Brothers, Brian and Dick - have been involved with RINGSIDE FOR YOUTH since its inception some 17 years ago. They have served on the organizing committee and worked the event every year, helping with light, sound, logistics and production. Last year, after a twenty year hiatus from recording, the brothers have returned - with a vengeance. With Colin Linden at the helm, the brothers traveled to Masterlink Studios in Nashville (Where Neil Young recorded Desert Moon) to begin a brand new album with an amazing line-up of session musicians including Audley Freed (Black Crowes, Jakob Dylan, Dixie Chicks) Dan Dugmore (Linda Rostadt, James Taylor) Kevin McKendree (Brian Seltzer, Lee Roy Parnell) Lynn Williams (John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton) and Steve Mackey (Trisha Yearwood) After additional recording back in Ottawa and Toronto the CD was mixed in L.A. by John Whynot who has produced such artists as Colin James, Bruce Cockburn and Lucinda Williams. The new CD features a number of guest artists including Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy, Delbert McClinton, and Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones). Check out the Cooper Brothers new video "Hard Luck Girl" and help support this great Ottawa band!
