Palm Beach Galas 2017

‘Boom Boom’ Mancini Joins ‘The Main Event’

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Former boxing champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini donned cherry-red boxing gloves and joined the American Cancer Society’s 56th annual Palm Beach gala, “The Main Event,” at the Mar-a-Lago Club.

The club’s main ballroom, bedecked in red, white and blue, featured an authentic competition-sized ring that served as the stage for the band. It also featured ringside snacks, a photo booth, a punching bag simulator and interactive Wii boxing game. Dining tables, which surrounded the dance floor, featured boxing gloves as their centerpiece.

Co-chairs for the evening were Patrick M. Park, Vince Cerone, Thomas C. Quick and Donald J. Trump. Vice chairmen were Leslie Spero and Bob Holuba. Petra Levin was honorary chairman.

During dinner, Quick, Park and Cerone entered the ring to thank this year’s corporate partners.

Allen West, of Advanced Jets, hosted the VIP Champagne Reception in Mar-a-Lago’s ballroom; Braman Motorcars hosted the pre-gala sponsor party; Brioni provided the men’s gift bags; Fantastic Finishes; and Tamara Comolli, of Tamara Comolli Fine Jewelry, provided the live auction piece as well as the women’s gift bags.

The chairs then introduced Mancini, the World Boxing Association lightweight champion from 1982 to 1984.

“We all know someone who has lost their fight,” Mancini said, “and I am honored to be in this beautiful setting with a room full of such wonderful supporters who want to help finish the fight.”

Quoting legendary basketball coach John Wooden, Mancini added: “I have two sage words of advice for everyone in this room: Help others.”

Mancini’s remarks were followed by Chris Collins, a Jupiter resident and cancer survivor.

At age 37 and with no family history or risk factors, she was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and received Herceptin, a drug treatment discovered by an American Cancer Society-funded researcher.

“I am here tonight to say ‘thank you.’ Today, I am healthy and happy to be alive. And I will be here to finish the fight because of your help; so, thank you,” she said at the Feb. 1, 2014, program.

The evening also included a live auction, conducted by Quick, that featured a two-sided detachable pendant with 1.1 carats of pave diamonds on one side and 4.5 carats of Persian Turquoise on the reverse side donated by Tamara Comolli Fine Jewelry.

Mancini also donated a case of his Southpaw Wines and offered to autograph each bottle.

Following the auction, there was a “Call to the Heart,” in which every patron making a donation received a bottle of Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle champagne courtesy of Petra and Stephen Levin.

Pianist and singer Adam Austin performed during dinner and was followed by the band Heatwave.

For more information, call Michelle Jaminet, (561) 655-3449 or e-mail

Photos by Lucien Capehart Photography.