Boxing Clever

Round one!

t took us a little while to figure out how there could be empty seats at a sold-out gala screening.

Besides all the good-hearted people living within spitting distance of The Whale, there were people all over the country, and beyond, who had bought tickets for this special screening of Rocky in aid of Benny Taglienti.

Sure, the great Aaron Kennedy had bought his two tickets for the screening knowing that it was highly unlikely he was going to make it over from Pennsylvania on the night.

That’s how people feel about Benny, and how much they want to help him in his battle against motor neuron disease. The man’s both a lover – how else to explain his three beautiful daughters – and a fighter, determined to keep on living his life to the full.

And tonight’s screening of his favourite film, the 1976 Oscar winner Rocky, was just a gesture by Ross McParland and The Whale gang in helping Benny meet a few new bills along the way.

With daughters Nadia and Sabrina by his side – Lisa couldn’t make the trip over – along with his wonderful wife Carol, Benny sat back and watched a classic tale that tells the world, hey, never give up the fight. And never, ever visit Philadelphia.

Big thanks to everyone who made it out for this special night. If you couldn’t make it, but want to help Benny fight the good fight, you can donate here. You can also catch our recent interview with the man himself right about here.