Community Champion | Scott Graceffo is hooked on making a change
Raising his fists for funding in support of mental health, Scott Graceffo, Assistant Store Manager, steps into the ring for the first time in support of Fight for Charity.
Scott has worked for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for the past 11 years, starting as a part-time clerk and working his way up to assistant store manager, and self-proclaimed craft-beer nerd.
“I knew people who participated in this charity boxing event, and it seemed like a cool concept,” said Scott.
A Fight for Charity combines amateur boxing with a gala event, annually, to bring businesses and communities together. Scott was among 24 amateur boxers who competed in the 2023 Fight for Charity.
“Last year, when I found out that a Fight for Charity’s chosen organization was the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg, it was a no-brainer to put my name in the draw of participants and see if I would get the call to join,” said Scott.
Scott knew it was important for the people in his life who have struggled with mental health to know they have someone fighting for them, “I wanted to put my time towards making the world a brighter place, I think that’s what we need more of.”
Everyone was starting from scratch. A group of people who had never entered the boxing ring before were now about to face each other in front of a live audience.
Scott started going to the gym at 6:00 am, before work, and would participate in team fight nights in the evenings, at Pan Am Boxing, where he learned the basics of boxing.
“For three months we embarked on training and improving with each other’s help, even though we were ultimately going up against each other in the ring,” said Scott. “We became super close.”
He thanks his wife for taking on the role of both parents and caring for his two little girls while he dedicated his time to Fight for Charity.
Training for the event was an eye-opening experience for Scott. In addition to learning about proper breathing techniques, footwork, and pacing yourself to last the entire six-minute fight, Scott says he learned the hardest part about boxing is not actually throwing a punch but receiving one.
On fight night he opened the charity match by pulling the first fight card and set the tone for the entire event by coming out to the song of his choice, I’m Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys.
Scott accomplished his goal of lasting the entire match without getting knocked out, and said confidently, “I would 100% do it again.”
Taking part in the Fight for Charity was a way for Scott to volunteer his time and raise pledges to participate in this event that gives back to so many. He fought for his friends who have lost their battle with mental health, for his family to know that people are fighting for them, and for anyone who needs a helping hand.
Fight for Charity raised $68,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg during the event last year.
“My wife and family paid for a table at the event to watch me and contribute to the cause," Scott said. "Just hearing that they were proud of me is what meant the most.”
#MBLLGoodTogether demonstrates Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ (MBLL) commitment to partnering with Manitoba communities, non-profits, and charitable organizations that help make our province an even better place to live.
Our Community Champion series highlights MBLL employees that are making a difference in the lives of Manitobans through their work or volunteer efforts in the spirit of being “good together”.