Photo: Courtesy of S.Gamand/Striking Paws.
We all have causes we believe in. But, how many of us actually fight for these causes? On Saturday, November 16, Chrissy Beckles, a champion amateur boxer and founder of The Sato Project, fought at the Fighters 4 Life Charity Boxing Event to save abandoned pups in Puerto Rico — and we're officially impressed.
Established in 2011, The Sato Project grew out of a heartbreaking experience Chrissy and her husband shared on a trip to Puerto Rico. The couple was shocked when their beach visits often resulted in sights of, not beautiful scenery, but abandoned dogs. Some were even chewing on rocks out of pure hunger. Chrissy knew something had to be done. And, in its first year, The Sato Project rescued over 400 dogs from Dead Dog Beach.
This November, as The Sato Project's second anniversary nears, so does the organization's busiest rescue season. The weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of January see record numbers of "dumped" dogs — pups often discarded on the beaches as unwanted gifts. In anticipation of the work ahead, The Sato Project entered the boxing ring to garner support for the cause.
Held at the world famous Gleason's Gym in DUMBO, the event included a red carpet, snacks from The Taco Shop and Brooklyn Roasting Company, and fisticuffs to fear. Grace Baley, mosaic artist and Sato Project rescue mom, Anjali Lewis, Associate Publisher of Creative Services at Vanity Fair Magazine, and Beckles each entered the ring in support. After the match, Chrissy exclaimed, "we can hold our heads high as champions of the doggies!"