The Rise Strong Foundation hosted a USA-sanctioned charity boxing event on September 7, 20 p.m., in Park City to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research and community athletic programming. The event, titled Mountain Mettle 2024, featured 20 bouts showcasing local and regional boxing talent at the Corner Store venue.
Fundraising Goals and Mission
The event took place at the Corner Store, located at 1325 Lowell Ave in Park City. According to event details from Rise Strong, the night began with doors opening at 5:00 p.m., followed by the start of competition at 6:00 p.m.
All proceeds generated from the September fundraiser were designated for two primary purposes. The foundation allocated funds toward Parkinson's disease research and programs, while also directing money to support the Rise Strong Foundation's mission to eliminate barriers to boxing participation. These efforts included providing gear, covering travel expenses, reducing program fees, and addressing transportation needs for participants.
Athletic Competition and Scholarships
The boxing card for the Mountain Mettle 2024 event consisted of 20 matches. The Rise Strong Foundation described the lineup as an electrifying showcase of skilled boxers from both the local and regional circuits.
Beyond supporting medical research, the foundation used the event to provide scholarships for youth participants within the community. The organization utilized Zeffy for its fundraising efforts to ensure that 100% of ticket purchases went directly toward their mission.
Leadership of Rise Boxing
The charity event was organized by Rise Strong, a foundation led by entrepreneurs Maryguenn Vellinga and Luke Hinz. Vellinga, described in the Couplepreneurs podcast as an Olympic-caliber boxer, operates Rise Boxing out of Park City.
Vellinga and her husband, Hinz, a big-mountain skier, run their business from their gym, Rise Boxing. The couple's entrepreneurial backgrounds were highlighted in recent discussions regarding their business operations and family influences.
Entrepreneurial Background
The business operations of Rise Boxing are rooted in a history of entrepreneurship. According to the Couplepreneurs podcast, Vellinga and Hinz were influenced by parents who built successful enterprises. Vellinga's mother established a watermelon farm in rural Utah, while Hinz's father grew a hauling company from a single truck to a fleet of over 100.
The couple has used their platform to discuss the courage required for both professional skiing and starting a boxing-centered business.
Continued Support
While ticket sales for the September 7 event closed prior to the match date, the Rise Strong Foundation continued to accept online donations through their official website to support Parkinson's research and boxing scholarships.
