Executive Fight Night (EFN) is not just about sportsmanship, winning, and rivalry, but is also a powerful platform for supporting a very noble cause—children battling life-threatening diseases. Bringing together businesspeople from multiple sectors, this Vegas-style boxing showcase promises an unforgettable night of athleticism, camaraderie and philanthropy.
The 12th edition of this hugely successful fundraiser has been set for May 31 under the glittering lights at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, in Roppongi Hills. EFN is organized by Shine On! Kids, a non-profit organization founded in 2006 to support children with cancer and other serious illnesses through innovative psychosocial support programs in hospitals throughout Japan, which was presented with the Health Culture Award by the Japanese Government in 2022.
EFN 2024 would not be possible without partnership and collaboration with Club 360, who provide expertise and training for the big night, as well as Custom Media and Empire Entertainment. Key sponsors and donors on the night include Emirates, jeweler Alok Rakyan, and Baird Beer, the official beer sponsor of EFN XII, just to name a few, with all proceeds going directly to one of Shine On! Kids’ key initiatives, its Hospital Facility Dog Program.
An Innovative Program
Think boxing is beneath you? Then consider the cause, which resonates deeply with many people across the globe. Every year, thousands of children in Japan are diagnosed with cancer and other serious diseases, facing immense challenges and hardships for them and their families. What sets EFN apart is its unique fusion of sport, charity, and community spirit. Participants are not professional boxers—they are leaders and influencers. These executives have dedicated their time and effort to train over several grueling months, showcasing their determination and commitment to making a difference through EFN.
The Hospital Facility Dog Program—Japan’s first full-time Animal Assisted Therapy program—pairs a dog that is specially trained to work in a children’s hospital with a nurse as its handler. Together they visit one hospital every day as part of the medical team, helping the sickest children. Shine On! Kids placed the first full-time hospital facility dog team in Japan at Kanagawa Children’s Hospital in 2010. Since then, six dogs trained to international service dog standards have been placed in children’s hospitals. They each make 2,000 to 2,500 patient visits a year—helping children and their families to get through difficult treatments and encouraging them in their rehabilitation.
There are three dogs currently in training and a growing waiting list of children’s hospitals that want to launch this program. In addition, Shine On! Kids has committed to creating its own training center to keep up with demand, so the support of the men and women fighting this year—and the guests cheering them on—is critical to the ongoing success and expansion of this endeavor.
Fighting for Fighters
Eighteen male and female members of Japan’s business community have been selected to participate in the demanding 12-week training regime needed to hone raw abilities into solid boxing skills, under the careful tuition of the trainers at Club 360 in Hiroo.
The fighters’ friends, families, and supporters can support the charity campaign by pledging financial support. Each of the fighters is also assigned to a family with a child battling a serious illness. The selfless boxers take time out from work and training to meet children between sessions of their treatments, with both sides encouraging the other. As the charity puts it, it’s all about “fighting for fighters”—the fighters in the ring and the children in the hospitals.
The occasion also includes an exciting raffle with valuable prizes from Shine On! Kids’ generous corporate and individual supporters.
The event kicks off with a captivating opening ceremony, celebrating the courage of children battling cancer and honoring their resilience. Inspirational stories of young survivors and their families serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting pediatric cancer research and treatment.
An animated crowd of about 500 fight fans is expected on the night, and attendees enjoy a four-course dinner with wine and cocktails.
As the night progresses, the audience is treated to a series of thrilling boxing matches, each showcasing the skills and sportsmanship of the participating executives. From intense bouts to heartwarming moments of caring and thoughtfulness, EFN is a rollercoaster of emotions, uniting people from all walks of life to achieve a goal that’s bigger than themselves.
Throughout the event, attendees can donate to the cause through various channels, including online platforms and onsite fundraising activities. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the lives of children battling serious illnesses, providing them with hope and support.
EFN 2024 is not just about raising funds; it’s about fostering a sense of community, compassion, and solidarity. It’s about standing together to fight against a common enemy—childhood cancer and other serious illnesses—and working towards a future where every child has the chance to live a healthy and fulfilling life. So, mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable night of passion, purpose, and punching for a cause that truly matters.
Tickets are now on sale. VIP Ringside Tables seat 12 guests and include a number of appealing perks, while 10-seat High-Roller Ringside tables are already sold out! But premium and standard tables, as well as single seats, are still available. Secure your spot for the big night and get tickets here:
Simon Farrell
Publisher, Custom Media
