Boxing Legend Andre Ward Honored at Former Warrior's Fundraiser

Boxing legend Andre Ward may have retired from the sport back in September, but his ability to give back to the community is a lifetime commitment.

On Nov. 11, the Oakland native was honored as the recipient of the Humanitarian Change Agent Award, which recognizes those with relentless dedication to their community. Ward was given the honor during a fundraiser hosted by former Warriors player Adonal Foyle. Foyle's annual "Sinatra Night" event is a black tie affair that included dinner, cocktails and Frank Sinatra cover music by Mark Shaw.

Proceeds from the event, which included ticket sales, and live and silent auction items, benefit Foyle's Kerosene Lamp Foundation, whose mission is to empower youth to grow into healthy and well education adults. Since 2013 the foundation has used basketball as a bridge to the next generation, promoting education and health awareness well as providing free athletic and academic camps and mentoring at-risk student-athletes.

"Wherever there's a need, if I can be there, I will try to be there," Ward said during his acceptance speech. "If I'm just winning championships and making money, then I failed. To receive this recognition from Adonal, whom I consider a big brother in the philanthropic world, if I can follow in his footsteps and follow his lead in what he does for the community, I consider that a success."

Ward also received a check for $2,000 from the Kerosene Lamp Foundation, which will benefit the charity of his choice.

Through the years, Ward has visited numerous schools, prisons and youth facilities, including the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center, William F. James Ranch and Camp Parks military installation, to share his inspirational success story.

In addition, Ward has traveled to Capitol Hill to speak about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and motivated young boxers at numerous USA Boxing events across the country.

Ward is also active at Well Christian Community Church in Livermore and looks forward to growing his community involvement now that his career in the ring has concluded.

A man who supports many causes, Ward has also been an advocate for non-profits such as Camp Sweeney (a fitness camp for children with diabetes), Pay Away the Layaway, an organization that helps families pay of
layaway balances for children’s supplies, and Knockout Dogfighting, which combats animal cruelty.

The Humanitarian Change Agent Award is given to a community visionary who has transformed their community and extraordinary ways. These visionaries are recognized for understanding the importance of helping and guiding at risk youth to enable them to find their path in life. These change agents engage their community by providing resources to enrich young people's lives in profound ways.

Past recipients of the Humanitarian Change Agent Award have included NBA player JJ Redick, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and actress Terri J. Vaughn.