Leavander Johnson Memorial
PRESS CONFERENCE SEEKING FUNDS AND CONCEPTUAL DRAWING UNVEILING FOR THE PROPOSED LEAVANDER JOHNSON MEMORIAL STATUE
WHO: Bill Johnson (Father & Trainer), Craig Johnson (Brother & Manager), Floyd Williams (CEO of The Leavander Johnson Foundation), Mayor Lorenzo Langford, Councilman Marty Small, and Brian Hanlon (Sculptor).
WHAT: Press Conference to unveil the conceptual drawing and fund raise for the proposed Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue.
WHEN: The press conference and fundraiser will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM EST.  Please RSVP.
WHERE: Center City Park, Atlantic and North Carolina Avenues, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
WHY: Come see the conceptual drawing of the proposed statue, hear how to contribute to the creation of the statue, have a chance to interview all parties involved, and help us promote this bittersweet triumph-to-tragedy story.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (July 6, 2010) - Hanlon Sculpture Studio, in partnership with The Leavander Johnson Foundation and the City of Atlantic City will unveil the conceptual drawing for the proposed World Champion Boxer Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue at a press conference beginning at 10:00 AM EST on July 9, 2010 in Atlantic City's Center City Park.  The project is currently seeking funds to create this important historical bronze statue for New Jersey and the boxing community.  Details on how to get involved will be announced at the press conference.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mike Van Gorder at 609-529-1108 or Floyd Williams at 702-509-0019.
ABOUT LEAVANDER JOHNSON
Leavander Johnson (12/24/1969 - 9/22/2005) compiled a career record of 34-5-2 with 26 wins by way of knockout.  Johnson was born and raised in Atlantic City and trained throughout his childhood and boxing career at the Atlantic City PAL under the watchful eye of his father, who continues to instruct the youths of today.  Johnson first became champion by winning the IBO Lightweight title in 1995.  After three previous attempts failed, Johnson finally captured the vacant IBF Lightweight title on June 17, 2005 with a 7th round TKO over Stefano Zoff in Milan, Italy.  Three months later, on September 17, 2005 in Las Vegas, Johnson unsuccessfully defended his title against Jesus Chavez when the fight was stopped in the 11th round.  Johnson later collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery to correct a subdural hematoma.  Tragically, his condition did not improve and he passed away September 22, 2005 with his family by his side.
ABOUT HANLON SCULPTURE STUDIO
Brian Hanlon is a classically trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio, located in Toms River, NJ.  In business since 1991, Brian has sculpted over 200 public art pieces, specializing in bronze statues, and is the Official Sculptor for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  His recent completions include a statue of Bob Cousy at Holy Cross, a WWII Memorial in Manchester, NJ, and ten life-size figures for St. Mary's Church in Buffalo, NY.  Current projects include Larry Holmes for Easton, PA, Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, and Dave Bing for Syracuse University.
ABOUT THE LEAVANDER JOHNSON FOUNDATION
The Leavander Johnson Foundation is a non profit 501(c)3 community based empowerment organization.  The mission of The Leavander Johnson Foundation is to enable communities to improve the quality and circumstances of life for present and future generations.  In meeting these challenges, the Foundation employs flexible approaches and innovative strategies that are responsive to changing needs and new opportunities.  The goal is to stimulate long-lasting and sustainable progress in which contributes to community vitality and economic growth.
ABOUT THE CITY OF ATLANTIC CITY
Atlantic City offers something for everyone.  From the boardwalk to the bay, our great city has become a world-class destination and a "must see" attraction for millions of visitors annually.  From fine dining and entertainment, to a wide array of shopping and, of course, casino excitement...we're "always turned on"!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Van Gorder
Project Manager, Sports
Hanlon Sculpture Studio
Cell: 609-529-1108
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