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.

FA