Cookie and Andrew started their volunteer intervention program more than 20 years ago. 2 1/2 ago, the 53 year old Andrew and his family opened the Strong Enough Boxing Club in Chandler. They did so to provide a place for kids to work out their frustrations. The facility has proved to be a quite a catalyst for change.
The modest couple thank God for motivating them and giving them the strength and wisdom to help those who need a helping hand. Here are two glowing examples of success, thanks to the efforts of the Menddez family and their non-
profit 501 c3 organization which includes contributions from the Mendez children , Anthony,Daniel, Andrew Jr. and Reyna their bright and ambitious daughter.
Upon hearing that two brothers were abandoned by their father after their mother was killed in a car accident; Andrew and Cookie Mendez gave the boys a big hug and let them know, they weren't alone. One of the boys is preparing to be a fire fighter and both brothers will graduate from high school. Andrew thinks the light switch went on for the boys after they joined the family boxing club (Strong Enough) and incorporated discipline and positive thinking into their lives.
Jack Sanchez is another young man who wandered into the Strong Enough Boxing Club at a time he was running out of options. Jack had no interest in school, lacked motivation, self confidence and was a bit reclusive. He overcame a bushel
basket full of self doubts and inhibitions when he set goals including finishing high school and becoming game fully
employed. Today, Jack is a solid citizen and in his spare time, volunteers time at the boxing club. Quite a turnaround.
Beltran and Publicist Emily Pandelakis put their heads together recently and decided to throw a fundraiser for the Mendez
family. It was a moral imperative and the two planners didn't consult Cookie and Andrew; however they're invited to the event which will be held on Saturday, June 15 inside the Fellowship Center-Building B at Central Avenue and Bethany Home in Phoenix, Arizona. The exact address is is 5757 North Central Avenue. The show commences at 10 a.m and shuts down at 3 p.m.
The fundraiser has 3 components: a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia including signed boxing gloves , a raffle and
Raymundo Beltran will be on hand to sign autographs. A donation for his John Hancock is suggested. Also fans and well
wishers can drop off a donation to one of the volunteer attendants. So far, the donated auction items include: Glove and Headgear signed by NABF Champion Raymundo Beltran, Glove signed by Manny Pacquiao, Saul "Canelo"Alvarez signed Glove, Glove signed by Antonio Barrera, Fernando Vargas and other exquisite pieces.
Since the Mendez Fundraiser is part of a huge memorabilia and card show, patrons are charged a $1.00 admission at the door which allows entrants to take part in whole program which includes the right to purchase autographs from Hall of Fame Pitcher Bob Gibson, Dallas Cowboy Great Bill Bates and Arizona Cardinal Tight End Ron Housler.
Hopefully the event will raise a huge cache of money for a good cause. Call 602-540-5075 for more information. Fans, unable to attend, can call 602-540-5075 and place a bid on auction items during the hours of the auction 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. on June 15. Please know auction rules before placing bid. Good Luck.