FORT WALTON BEACH — The Steak & Stake fundraising dinner for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will feature guest speaker Evander Holyfield.
The professional boxer is multiple world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, which earned him the nickname "The Real Deal." He won the bronze medal in the Light Heavyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics, and he is the only boxer to win the heavyweight title five times.
Born in Atmore, Ala., Holyfield is a Boys and Girls Club alumni. He was four years old when his family moved to Atlanta, Ga., where he and his brother joined the Warren Memorial Boys Club.
Holyfield will speak on his life at the dinner, which begins with a VIP reception at 5 p.m. at the BGCEC South Walton club, 427 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach.
BGCEC Chief Executive Officer Shervin Rassa said, "Mr. Holyfield has a unique and exciting story. We are extremely excited and honored to have Mr. Holyfield as our speaker, a Boys & Girls Club alumni, his story of how the club impacted his life will truly be inspirational for not only attendees, but our youths."
The dinner provides an opportunity for every guest, including donors, community partners and volunteers, to meet with and hear from the direct beneficiaries of their efforts — club members.
Youths sit at every table and are given the chance to share their story of how Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has a positive impact on their lives and what the club means to them.
Individual tickets cost $150 per guest. VIP tickets, which include a reception and meet and greet with Evander Holyfield cost $250 each.
To purchase tickets or get sponsorship information, contact Director of Development Rob Engel, 344-7722 or rengel@bgcec.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Evander Holyfield is Sept. 22 Emerald Coast club's dinner speaker