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Making A Difference
LI Financial Services Executive Literally ‘Fights’ For Charity
As Michael Fliegelman of Innovative
Planning Services,
Woodbury, LI, was becoming
one of the foremost
charitable giving planners
in the New York metro region, little did
he know it would lead him to the ring
– the boxing ring.
In the course of his work, Fliegelman
became involved with Jeff Cohen, a
Long Island entrepreneur and founder
of an off-beat charitable organization
called Long Island’s Fight For Charity. By
pitting business and professional men
and women against each other in the
“fight” ring, the group has raised more
than $420,000 for Long Island charities
in five annual events. More than 1,300
“fans” pay through their donations to see
these “fights,” with the proceeds going to
selected local charities.
Fliegelman is “fighting” in this year’s event, Monday,
November 24 at the Long Island Hilton, Melville. Festivities
start a 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception; boxing begins
at 6:30. There will be 10 bouts, each of three one-minute
rounds. Knockouts are unlikely for the “fighters” will use
22 oz. gloves and wear full head gear. So they’re in good
shape and otherwise adequately prepared, the boxers
are being trained by Tony Fortunato and his trainers from
Long Island’s Eye of the Tiger Boxing Club. Fortunato, a
boxing coach who has been in 100 amateur bouts and 34
professional fights, is known for his work with troubled
youths.
Fliegelman’s opponent is Matt Silver, owner of Ultimate
Class Limo, an upscale limousine service on Long Island.
“I expect to take a beating and land a few blows myself
– all for a worthy cause,” said Fliegelman.
But what he does against Silver in the ring matters little.
What really counts is beating him in the fund-raising competition.
Each boxer is committed to raising $5,000. Fliegelman
has his eye on beating the record for a
single boxer, which is $34,000. At press
time, he was within reach.
To contribute, see below.
“We are on target to raise well over
$100,000 this year,” Founder Cohen says
on the organization’s website. “What we
once thought was crazy is now one of
the most anticipated events on Long
Island,” he says.
Fliegelman’s firm, Innovative Planning
Services and its affiliated insurance
company, Guardian Life, are two of
the four main sponsors of this year’s
event. Fliegelman’s personal website
– www.michaelfliegelman.com – has
a link offering “unique ideas” for charitable
giving.
For Information and To Make a Contribution. . .
Contact Fliegelman at (516) 677-6269 or email him at
mfliegelman@innovativeplanningservices.com
Benefiting From This Year’s LI Fight for Charity
• The Genesis School, which provides people with autism specialized community-based programs and other opportunities for achievement and a better quality of life.
• The Long Island Community Chest, which provides short-term financial assistance to needy individuals and families.
• Family Residence and Essential Enterprises (FREE) benefits more than 3,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness or traumatic brain injury.
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