ST. LOUIS (KTRS) The Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association announced a record donation of $700,000 to The BackStoppers, a nonprofit organization that assists families of first responders who die or suffer a catastrophic injury in the line of duty. The donation was made possible thanks to proceeds generated from the 31st annual Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses boxing event held at the Scottrade Center Nov. 22, 2017.
The donation was announced to The BackStoppers during a check presentation ceremony at the Scottrade Center with St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. The event was also attended by members of The BackStoppers and Guns ‘N Hoses boards of directors, as well as fire and police personnel from St. Louis City and County. The previous record of $653,000 was set last year.
President of the Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association, David Stokes, says the group has raised more than $6.8 million for Backstoppers.
In November, Budweiser Guns ‘N Hoses sold out the Scottrade Center for the second straight year with a record attendance of 18,199. Professional fighting was also introduced to the fight card for the first time. For the fourth consecutive year, the blue team defeated the red team in convincing fashion, 10-6.
Prior to the bouts, Captain John Kemper of the St. Louis Fire Department, who lost his life in the line of duty July 12, 2017 after battling a structural fire, was honored during the ceremonial “Ten-Count.”
(photo courtesy of William Greenblatt, UPI)
