Face Forward Foundation to Honor 'Sugar' Shane Mosley at "Venetian Masquerade" Gala

World-Champion Boxer to Be Presented with "Advocate Award" for Commitment to Combating Domestic Violence. End Quote

Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) September 12, 2014 - Boxing heavyweight 'Sugar' Shane Mosley will be honored at Face Forward Foundation's Fifth Annual Gala, "A Venetian Masquerade" this Saturday September 13, at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Mosley will be presented with the prestigious "Advocate Award," honoring his dedication to speaking out against domestic violence. Founded by Deborah Alessi, Face Forward Foundation provides pro-bono reconstructive surgery for victims of domestic violence. As its most important fundraising and awareness-building event of the year, The Fifth Annual Gala, "A Venetian Masquerade" will look to raise a record-setting goal of $500,000 for 2015 to support their patients and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of survivors.

"It's natural for people to think of a sport like boxing and envision athletes who are violent and aggressive in nature," said Founder of Face Forward Deborah Alessi. "That is completely the opposite of Mr. Mosley. His massive heart, kind demeanor and caring nature have only magnified the wonderful work he has been doing as an advocate against domestic violence."

Mosley won championships in the lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight divisions during his career as a professional boxer, a feat that that cemented his status as a legendary boxer. In 2000 and 2001 he was named by Ring Magazine as the undisputed pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. He began his professional career in 1993, and had long-term success fighting against various boxing heavyweights like Oscar de la Hoya, Vernon Forrest, Antonio Margarito, and more.

Featuring a special musical performance, this star-studded event will be masquerade-themed and feature celebrity guests, a silent auction and the honorary awards ceremony dedicated to raising funds and awareness for this increasing epidemic. Face Forward Foundation will also honor, in addition to Mosley, Gloria Allred for her dedication work to end domestic violence. Confirmed guests include: Lana Parrilla (Once Upon A Time), Missi Pyle (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Artist), Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, Legally Blonde), Shohreh Aghdashloo (24), Bonnie Sommerville (Ugly Truth), Anne Heche (Save Me), Shaun Toub (Iron Man), Finola Hughes (General Hospital), Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives), Erik Valdez (Graceland), and Josh Levi (X-Factor). To purchase tickets visit http://faceforward.nbblticketing.com/

"It's an honor and privilege to be recognized for such an incredible distinction," said 'Sugar' Shane Mosley. "The Face Forward Foundation is an phenomenal organization that helps victims of domestic abuse heal their emotional and physical scars, as well as providing them with the tools necessary to move past these experiences. It's important to increase awareness surrounding unnecessary violence and help those who may be stuck in these kinds of situations to find the strength to safely escape them."

Since its creation in 2007, Face Forward has worked with advocates around the nation to identify victims of domestic violence who are working towards recovery, yet carry the physical evidence of past abuse. Face Forward does more than just provide pro bono reconstructive surgery to adults and children who have suffered from traumatic and physical abuse; they also create a welcoming and safe environment for the victims to start a new life and reclaim their confidence.

About Face Forward:
Face Forward's mission is to provide physical and emotional reconstruction for women and children who have been victimized by domestic or gang related violence. Face Forward vows that all individuals who cannot afford the fees associated with proper internal and external care will be treated pro-bono. Face Forward works with community leaders around the nation to identify victims of violence who are legitimately working toward recovery and who carry the physical evidence of past abuse. We are able to provide our services to individuals who are committed to their recovery by partnering with local community centers, which offer complementary relief: housing, counseling, job searches, and legal assistance. Face Forward is a non-profit organization, a 501(c)(3) registered in the State of California with better than 90% of all donations are directed toward victim treatment and recovery. We are one humble part of the recovery puzzle; however, the immediate results of our healing efforts provide individuals with the confidence to literally put their best Face Forward once again.

About 'Sugar' Shane Mosley:
Boxer "Sugar" Shane Mosley is an accomplished champion in three separate boxing weight classes: lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight. These accomplishments paved the way for his notoriety as a boxing legend. "Sugar" Shane Mosley is known as one of boxing's most accomplished performers. The California native emerged from obscurity by earning the title of undisputed champion of the lightweight division on August 2, 1997. After becoming a champion in the lightweight division he sought out challengers in higher weight classes to become a champion in the welterweight and super welterweight divisions. Mosley proved himself as an arduous fighter on the Los Angeles amateur boxing circuit. In 1989, he won the U.S. Amateur Championship. The following year he won the U.S. Amateur lightweight champion as well. Shane Mosley finally had a chance to showcase his talent at a greater level when promoter Cedric Kushner set "Sugar" Shane on a boxing card against International Boxing Federation lightweight champ Philip Holiday on August 2, 1997. Mosley won their bout by decision and was able to continue to display his skills to boxing fans everywhere.

He obtained an early passion for boxing after watching his dad, Jack Mosley, spar with professionals at a gym. Inspiration from boxing runs in the family and "Sugar" Shane's son, Shane Mosley Jr., is paving the way to become a legend in the sport as well.

Contact
It Girl Public Relations
Juliette Harris
(310)577-1122
juliette ( @ ) itgirlpublicrelations dot com dot

NRPR Group
Nicole Rodrigues
(310) 650-815-5069
nicole ( @ ) nrprgroup dot com.

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