The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Tickets are on sale now for a charity fundraiser presented by the Independent Wrestling Federation, set for 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Ave., and which stars an FHS graduate.
The fundraiser will benefit the FHS freshmen class and the DeSarno Family Fund.
Called the “IWF Loud and Proud Extravaganza,” the event is headlined by WWE Legends The Extreme Original Tommy Dreamer and Hall of Famer Tito Santana. Local stars include IWF Champion Fifth Element Roman Zachary of Manville and Junior Champion Jon Galindo, a 2013 FHS graduate.
Also appearing are Kevin Knight, Phat Daddy Biggie Biggs, Simply Ravishing Shawn Donavan, Rude Dude Corey Havoc, Doctor Hurtz, Outlaw Shane O’Brien, Golden Boy Mike Cammett, Manuel Arocho, The Conqueror Dan Kinnally, Mad Dawg Jenkins and more, according to a release about the event.
“I became interested in wrestling after my father took me to our local arena 50 years ago and from that moment on I was hooked,” FHS principal Thomas DiGanci said in the release. “To have our first major event here be an IWF show could not be any more exciting. I hope this is just one of many shows that will entertain our students and parents, and create a sense of community.”
“This is an unprecedented event for FHS,” FHS vice principal Frank Chmiel said in the release. “I grew up in Elizabeth where their high school hosted wrestling every year. To be able to have it here knowing the benefits it can bring to the students, school and community is truly exciting.”
“Being a lifelong wrestling fan, it has always been on my mind as a great fundraiser,” Howard Gaber, the freshman class advisor and event organizer, said in the release. “The funds will offset expenses of yearbooks, prom and activities for the freshman class. As an added bonus, a percentage will go to the DeSarno Family to help with expenses incurred from their unfortunate situation.”
Tickets are $25, $20, $15 and available online at www.CampIWF.com. FHS students, families and faculty save $5, and group discounts are available online. Remaining tickets on-sale at the door.
Doors open 6:30 p.m. for All Access Pre-Event Fan Fest featuring wrestler meet-and-greet. Helping support the event are the Franklin Board of Education, IWF Wrestling School & Party Place of Nutley, and Ocean Beach Sales & Rentals of Lavallette.
