(EAST HANOVER, NJ)— Find A Dream—a nonprofit organization that reaches out to community children and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling a dream—has recently announced the newest addition of team member and welterweight boxing prospect Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien.
O’Brien was the 2010 New Jersey Golden Gloves Champion and is considered one of the top up-and-coming prospects in boxing. March 5 he made his professional debut at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and won by TKO. Following the stellar performance O’Brien was right back in the gym working with coach and former heavyweight fighter Lou Esa in preparation for his upcoming April 5 bout.
“Starting my career off with a TKO was incredible,” said O’Brien. “Lou and I trained to go in there and take the guy out early, and I executed the plan. It’s an amazing feeling to go out there and do what I love and what I truly have a passion for, and I was able to give all my fans, family and supporters an exciting show.”
When O’Brien is not training, he spends his time teaching boxing to kids, and upon hearing of Find A Dream, he expressed his interest in becoming part of the organization.
“I’m excited to be working with Find A Dream and getting involved with the kids,” said O’Brien. “Growing up I came from where a lot of these kids do, and I want to be able to share my life experiences as well as boxing with them. If I can help just one kid work towards what they want to do in life or change their outlook or path in life, then it will be more than fulfilling. But ultimately I want to help as many kids as possible.”
O’Brien comes aboard a team at Find A Dream stacked with athletes and celebrities, including UFC Hall-of-Famer Dan Severn, former boxing champions Ray Mercer and Bobby Czyz, actors Eric Martinez, Louis Mandylor and Quinton Aaron and more.
“Athletes are held to a higher standard, and it is important that they donate their time to organizations like Find A Dream and give back to the community,” said O’Brien. “I feel like I have a great responsibility to reach these kids and be someone who they can be inspired by, and nudge them or motivate them to push themselves in school and life to go after their dreams. Athletes need to lead by example.”
Find A Dream is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. We have partnered with professionals to deliver on our promise of positive change in young lives. Our communities become stronger when our youth is mentored through people of character with a true interest in pouring constructive, character-building activities and input into their lives.
To learn more about Find A Dream visit www.findadream.org.