The Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC
is pleased to invite you to join
us as we present the
2017
Activist
Award to
Jeff and Julie Bass built a recording studio at the gym; Jeff will teach students how to use the
equipment.
“to have our kids in jobs that help
build the future for all of us.”
There’s one other component of the
gym’s programs: giving back. All stu-
dents participate in community proj-
ect, from working at homeless shelters
to cleaning up neighborhoods and
playing baseball with students on the
Miracle League, a team in Plymouth
for children with special needs.
GETTING OTHERS INVOLVED
As proud as Jessica is about the pro-
gram, she is awed by the support they
have received. No other gym that has
tried to replicate Khali’s program has
succeeded like DBG thanks to Metro
Detroit supporters.
“I’m humbled by the number of peo-
ple who give their time and resources
here,” she says.
People get involved, like costume
designer, filmmaker and producer
Couni Young, 51, of Commerce
Township did after
taking Jessica’s tour
of the new gym.
Young says,
“Jessica took us to
the music room, a
12-foot by 12-foot
space with a beat-up
piano and a piece
Couni Young
of a drum set in
the corner, and yet
Jessica was so proud.
Then we visited a classroom where
kids were doing their homework, and
they were so grateful.”
Young, a Temple Israel member
with her family, told Jessica she would
work on the music room, the library
and the sewing room.
“I have so many giving people in my
life who can help,” she said. One cou-
ple she called was Julie and Jeff Bass of
Bloomfield Hills. He is the Oscar and
Emmy award-winning music produc-
er from Detroit, who helped launch
Eminem’s career. When Young asked
how to sound proof the music room,
the Basses came down to check it out.
“We were overwhelmed,” says Julie,
a film/music producer, after touring
the gym and meeting the students.
They were so impressed by the stu-
dents’ talent and achievements they
offered to build the gym a recording
studio. Jeff said he would teach the
students how to use the equipment.
Until Jessica walked into the gym,
Khali never saw the type of support
the Jewish community lends to one
another, he says. It’s been inspirational
to him and he wants to replicate that
sense of family with his students even
after they graduate.
Whether it was Young contacting
the Basses, members of Temple Shir
Shalom, or a supporter calling Todd
Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction
and a Jewish community leader, to
help with the new building, people
came through, Jessica says, even
though the gym is small and not well-
known. Sachse now is on the board.
JESSICA’S CRUCIAL ROLE
While Jessica rarely stops to see what
she has achieved, the coach is amazed
by her achievements.
“She’s my motivation,” Khali says,
and her efforts are also not lost on the
students.
“Jessica’s the backbone of the gym,”
says Lionel, who is preparing to go
to graduate school in criminal jus-
tice and administration. “She makes
everything flow from A to Z. She and
the coach work as a team; they can do
anything!”
And though he has moved on from
the DBG, Lionel hasn’t forgotten the
coach’s lessons, especially about pay-
ing it forward. He still helps the home-
less near school. A student leader,
Lionel is vice-president of a black
leaders’ organization that reaches
out to all people. “We help bring stu-
dents together from different cultures
around campus,” he says, “inviting
them to family gatherings.”
As for his hometown family, Lionel
sent tickets to Jessica and Khali for
his college graduation. All are proud.
But Lionel’s achievements are not lost
on fellow students back at the gym.
Like younger siblings, they get to see
a member of their Downtown Boxing
Gym family elude the odds as Lionel
takes the next step toward his hard-
fought place in society. •
Jeannie Weiner
Tuesday,
-XQHǝSP
Adat Shalom Synagogue
Farmington Hills
Dessert Reception
following the event
Couvert: $18
Featured Speaker:
Detroit Mayor
Mike Duggan
To register or to learn more about sponsorship options,
and opportunities to pay tribute to Jeannie Weiner,
please contact Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC
248-642-5393 or visit: jcrcajc.org
Honorary Co-Chairs
Diane Klein
Matt Lester
2182530
jn
June 1 • 2017
15