KnockoutFactory Fighters Going Bald For Bucks

The KnockoutFactory Gym in Salamanca was the place to be Tuesday night, March 31st, 2009. The Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing Fitness Center held a charity event to raise money for Roswell Cancer Institute called “Going Bald for Bucks”.

Several area Mixed Martial Arts teams contributed to the event, bringing their fighters to spar for the crowd, who enjoyed a spaghetti dinner while watching fighters work out. Both men and women alternated and switched partners simultaneously in both a boxing ring and M.M.A. cage. A Chinese auction was held, along with a 50/50 Raffle for Carl Kettle, a KnockoutFactory Cagefighter fighter who was seriously injured in a work related accident.

“This all started when I promised to cut my hair to support my mom when she began losing hers after being diagnosed with cancer.” Said KnockoutFactory M.M.A. coach Mike ‘Snake’ Tome, who had very long, braided hair for several years. “It was a promise from me to her, and I was just going to do it myself, like Britney Spears” laughed Tome. “There was no talking me out of it, she knows I am as stubborn as she is, but then she told me I should do it to help those who helped her, The Roswell Cancer Institute. After she clued me into the Going Bald for Bucks program, my whole family formed a team to collect sponsors and shave our heads.” In the program, participants collect sponsors who make monetary pledges in their behalf. The team then has their heads shaved, and collected monies go to Roswell for cancer research. “Snake’s brothers, Steve & Kerry Tome, along with brother in law Pete Hudson, nieces Kristina McCloud and Stephanie Jimerson and several KnockoutFactory fighters shaved their heads in support.

Over $2500 was raised, close to 300 people attended, making the event a huge success. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner cooked by members of KnockoutFactory, April Kuhn and Amy Minner. Several local businesses donated, and the community response was overwhelming. “I wish to thank everyone who helped, attended, and donated. We all appreciate everything they have done to support our cause.” stated the Tome Family.

Donations are still being accepted at the website , and pictures of the event can be found below.