20 | JULY 25 • 2024 J N The First Lady of J ackie Kallen, known as “The First Lady of Boxing, ” will take part in a benefit to help “Knockout Skin Cancer” at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Commerce Township from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Kallen rose to fame as one of boxing’s first and most successful female managers, most notably working with Multi-Weight World Champion James Toney. Kallen lives in the Detroit area and still manages three professional boxers. Kallen was inducted into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month. In addition to Kallen, there will be other special guest appearances from the boxing world in attendance. The cost to attend the “Knockout Skin Cancer” benefit is $100 per ticket, which includes hors d’ oeuvres and buffet prepared by Andiamo, complimentary valet parking, an open bar fea- turing fine wine, craft cocktails and beer, music performed by The Blue Guitar, as well as a DJ, a sports memorabilia silent auction, 360 Photo Booth and the chance to win autographed boxing gloves. The evening’s ambiance is designed by Gerych’s Flowers & Events. While Kallen is excited for what’s going to be a night of fun and entertainment, the event is also very personal to her. Kallen got her first skin cancer diagnosis 38 years ago when she was 40 years old. She’s had several squamous cells and basal cells along with overcoming two bouts of malignant melanoma. “When I was young, I didn’t have sun- screen and things like that. We actually went the other way — we did whatever we could to get the darkest tan. We didn’t realize the danger of the sun’s rays in large doses,” Kallen said. “I haven’t laid out in the sun since I was 40, when I first found out I had a propensity for this. It’s something people need to be aware of — anybody can get skin cancer.” Alkawther Gerych, creator of the Michigan-based UEmpower Foundation, is spearheading the benefit. Gerych’s hus- band, Jon Gerych, is also a skin cancer survivor. Monies raised from the benefit will go directly to support patients of all ages needing assistance with financial and emotional care, along with health classes. Kallen has been in boxing for 45 years now. Her life was the inspiration for the 2004 film Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan as Kallen. She also worked as a consultant for the reality TV series The Contender with Sylvester Stallone. Kallen is excited to receive another award at Little Caesars Arena on July 27 where boxing superstar and two- time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields will present her first-ever “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman Of All Time) award to Kallen. The award recognizes Kallen’s “leadership, accom- plishments and embodi- ment of what it means to be a ‘Greatest Woman of All Time.’” “When I can do an event like this, tak- ing my boxing background and mixing it with a good cause, it just comes all together for me,” Kallen said. “I certainly want to raise awareness for my kids and grandkids and their generations about the dangers of exposure to the sun with- out sunscreen. I hope they will be a little more diligent, because it’s the damage you get when you’re young that comes back to bite you years later. “It’s a very unpleasant form of cancer that can be very disfiguring. If we save one person from going through what I’ve gone through, then I consider it a worthy cause.” Get your tickets at https://uempower.org/event/ uempower-together-with-jackie-kallen. OUR COMMUNITY Jackie Kallen to appear at “Knockout Skin Cancer” benefi t. DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER Alkawther Gerych, (left) president of the UEmpower Foundation, teamed up with Jackie Kallen for the “Knockout Skin Cancer” benefit on Aug. 1. Jackie Kallen and James Toney