HAWAIIAN GARDENS: Turkey Giveaway with Boxer Abner Mares on November 22, 2014, Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hawaiian Gardens City Hall
21815 Pioneer Blvd
Hawaiian Gardens, CA
(562) 420-2641
hgcity.org/hg/
Cost: Free
(Food to those in need; the public is welcome to come meet famous boxer Abner Mares.)

Professional boxer Abner Mares, who won world titles in three weight divisions, is giving away $10,000 worth of Thanksgiving turkeys and food to less fortunate families in his hometown of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. As a way to give back to the community, he began this annual Turkey Giveaway in 2013 and hopes to continue the tradition for years to come. Abner will be donating over 300 turkeys in addition to other festive Thanksgiving fare including tortillas, salsa, potatoes, beans, rice and pumpkin pie from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hawaiian Gardens is Los Angeles County's smallest city (one square mile) largely comprised of working class families. It's estimated that over 60% of the 14,500 residents are Hispanic or Latino, and approx. one in five citizens lives below the poverty line.

Growing up in Hawaiian Gardens wasn't always easy for Mares who moved with his family from Mexico to the city at age 7. Though destined to box, he was expelled from school at the age of 15 for fighting and behavioral issues, and sent to Mexico (by his father) to continue his education. The City of Hawaiian Gardens now has an excellent boxing program for resident youth and teens mentored by fantastic coaches such as up & coming boxer Eddie "The Monster" de la Huerta. But for 28-year old featherweight Abner Mares who was shipped back to Mexico over 13 years ago, he left with disappointment and a feeling that he failed his family. The emotional toll became his salvation when trainers in Mexico helped Mares turn his life around by teaching him how to focus his energies on improving his skills and developing a boxing career. He worked hard, trained daily and became a superstar in the world of boxing!

The winner of three weight divisions -- IBF Bantamweight, WBC Super bantamweight and WBC Featherweight championships -- travels extensively but feels a strong sense of community and believes in giving back. Married with several children, Mares has taken time from his busy life in recent years to distribute turkeys with Oscar de La Hoya's Golden Boy Productions in Los Angeles. Last year he reached into his own pocket to purchase holiday food for locals in need. Mares has chosen Hawaiian Gardens his home base for annual holiday food giveaways to promote goodwill and inspire others in the community to achieve their dreams.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.