Story by Woody Woodard, Photography by Kristina Only & Woody Woodard

Black Tie & Boxing benefitting JDRF has become a premier event in Jackson. The event was founded in part by Ronnie and Susan Morris, JDRF President Hayden Simons and his wife who have dealt with her Type 1 diabetes for 23 years. The unusual thing is Addison Coleman, the emcee, was diagnosed at age 10 years. Emcee Abby Moffett was diagnosed at age five, and announcer Richard Mullikin has several family members with Type 1 diabetes!

The Black Tie Fight Club is a local group advocating for support and research to combat this disease. These volunteer members have been training since October for this special night of boxing. Once again Leaders Federal Credit Union has stepped up in large support of another community action event. A huge thanks again to Ryan Collins, who was previously a cage fighter with an impressive record. Ryan now builds the ticket for the Black Tie Boxing event. Dedicated people dedicated to a worthy and needy cause.