Fists for gifts: Alaska Tuesday Night Fights and My House team up

WASILLA — This Tuesday is the first Alaska Tuesday Night Fights and My House Gift Drive. Fighters will throw punches and kicks per usual, but this time it’s for a good cause. According to Billy Christensen, co-owner and operator of Tuesday Night Fights, the fights will be a platform to help young adults and children. Christensen was inspired and admired the long list of accomplishments from My House, a charitable organization that focuses their facility and resources to improve the lives of homeless and at risk youth across the Valley.

“We have a personal relationship with Michelle Overstreet down there at the My House Program. We’ve been watching what they’ve been doing for a few years now- super impressed with their work,” he said.

A bond was formed between the ring and the less fortunate- just in time for the holidays, which can already be statistically tough enough for some. The gift drive is designed to gather practical, yet imperative items that would help children and more practical still, young adults. Items like hats and gloves, coats, boots, and hand warmers are the staple for must have Alaskan grabs.

“Real life things. People are a lot more willing to give stuff like that, stuff that they know will go to a good cause instead of just giving cash that they have no idea what happens,” Christensen says.

Job-seeking youth can expect to receive nice, interview clothes, combs, razors, and other spruce up’s to make a better impression.

“When you have nothing, literally nothing, but the shoes and clothes on your back, you can’t go into a business and get a job. Nobody’s gonna hire you,” he said.

My House is no stranger to practical and stable improvement. They have secured their roots and created a hub for those in need, connecting to numerous businesses and organizations. This is why utilizing their expertise was a natural choice for Christensen.

“We wanted to team up with My House because they can better direct exactly what’s needed and who it’s going to. They have a really good grasp on that,” Christensen says.

My House, Billy Christensen, his wife Heather, his fighters, his students, and all the affiliates jumped on board and rode this wave of hopes to make a positive impact in a community they take pride in caring for. They grasped the urgency for the need, especially in the depths of Alaska’s unforgiving weather.

“We’ve got kids living in the woods!” Christensen said.

This doesn’t go unnoticed. Support for those in need is swelling within the community. Christensen has amassed a large grapevine of support from his corporate sponsors, local connections he makes each passing day, and an “unprecedented” amount of teamwork from AFC in Anchorage and Fairbanks, both have promoted the event in social media.

“We have such an awesome community here though. I mean, let’s be honest; the people in the Valley have big hearts and they really want to see good things happening.”

Christensen feels for the people he helps and notes on the ripple effect, They’re gonna remember where they came from and they’re gonna help others as well.”

When the doors open Tuesday Night, and everyone gathering around the combatants, when the roar of applause and clap of blows echoes into the cold night, the influx of good will to their fellow man will leave the Valley a little warmer.

‘Tis the season.