Local Celebrities Step Into the Ring to Knock Out Homelessness - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Erie, PA - Stepping into the ring with a Bizzarro might be intimidating, but on Tuesday, three local celebrities rose to the challenge in Knock Out Homelessness Round Six.

Knock Out Homelessness is the Erie City Mission's biggest fundraiser of the year. The three local celebrities each got into the ring and went toe to toe with a member of the Bizzarro family.

This year, Lilly Broadcasting's own Chief Meteorologist Rob Wilson went up against Lou Bizzarro, Jr. He said Rob was competitive, and a great opponent. But Bizzarro, Jr. said the best part of the night, though, is helping the homeless.

"It's unfortunate," said Bizzarro, Jr. "We really don't know how good we have it until you see the people who don't really have it. So it's an honor to do this for them."

The main event of the night was Erie boxing legend Lou Bizzarro and John Barber, CEO and President of the Barber National Institute. Also featured was John Boy Bizzarro against attorney John Rogala Evanoff.

All the money from Knock Out Homelessness goes to helping feed the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Pastor Rick Crocker, Executive Director of the Erie City Mission, said the continued support of the community is truly overwhelming.

"We started six years ago at Cauley Auditorium with 250 people, now there's 650 gathering here tonight," said Crocker. "I think its just a demonstration of the kind of support in the Erie community that the Erie City Mission receives."

Crocker said they were hoping top $45,000 this year.

For yet another year, 12News was a major sponsor of the event.
Our own Mike Ruzzi was the MC, and Amanda Post sang the national anthem.