Various charities supported by the Howell Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) will soon get a boost from a mixed martial arts (MMA) extravaganza scheduled for Dec. 21 at Brookdale Community College.
Chris Santopietro of Howell, who recorded his debut victory over Anthony Guido via majority decision at the Krush MMA battle held at Jackson Liberty High School on June 1, is slated to enter the cage for his second fight.
Gold Medal MMA, a sporting event promotional company formed by Shore-area businessmen and managing partners David Franciosi and Marc DiCostanzo, will host the cage-fighting spectacular on behalf of the Howell PBA. The group will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Special Olympics, the National Police Memorial and other charities that the group in the past has helped to support.
Franciosi is no stranger to the world of competitive sporting events, having helped launch another MMA battle earlier this year at Jackson Liberty High School — a separate event that succeeded in its goal of raising funds for several area victims of a drunk driver while increasing awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
Currently, Franciosi is a New Jersey professional boxing referee. He formerly was an amateur boxing referee and USA boxing chief of officials. Franciosi, owner/operator of Knockout Pizza Enterprises in Lakewood, additionally served as president of the Howell Township Police Athletic League.
DiCostanzo owns and operates Lakewood Funeral Home, a family business located in Howell. Over the past 15 years, he assisted many local fundraisers, including the Howell Police Vest and Safety Fund. It was from this experience that he decided to leverage Franciosi’s expertise in the realm of combat sports into a partnership and event that ultimately will reap benefits for Howell Township PBA No. 228.
The Gold Medal MMA fight will take place at Brookdale’s newly renovated Robert J. Collins Arena. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.goldmedalmma.com.