22.03.06 – EVANSVILLE, IN – As family, friends and fight fans pay their final respects to hometown hero Kevin Payne, Octavius James/One In A Million Inc. Today announced it will sponsor the Kevin Payne Memorial Fund to ease the difficult transition for the fighter’s family.
All funds contributed to the memorial fund will be given to Kevin’s wife, Jenny, and his two young children.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the memorial fund can send checks or money orders payable to the:
Kevin Payne Memorial Fund
One In A Million Inc.
8789 Louisiana St., Suite B
Merrillville, IN 46410
Attn: Michael Gonzalez
Payne passed away Sun., Mar. 19th, in Evansville, just hours after an internationally televised victory over Ryan Maraldo., that earned Payne a shot at Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., on an HBO card later this year. The Vanderburgh County coroner said Tuesday there were no conclusive findings yet to determine what led to the brain hemorrhage that was determined to be the cause of Payne death.
Describing Payne “as a team member and a close friend,” James said One In A Million Inc. will donate the first check to the memorial fund, and the company will also donate portions of the proceeds from One In A Million fights for the remainder of 2006.
“It always hurts to lose someone who is your friend, but Kevin was committed to this sport, and he would have wanted us to continue putting on our fight cards,” James said. “And, even though nothing can replace a loved one for Jenny and the kids, our executive board unanimously decided we want to help Kevin’s family as much as we can for as long as we can, partly with this memorial fund.”
Also, James said One In A Million will hold a special moment of recognition for Payne at its next event at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, Merrillville, IN April 14th,
For more information on the Kevin Payne Memorial Fund, contact One In A Million Inc. at 866-438-7372.
Tribute to Kevin Payne: http://www.oneinamillionboxing.com