SAN DIEGO, CA (August 17, 2023) – The recently launched Bobby D Foundation will stage Punches in the Piazza, a uniquely-staged outdoor amateur boxing event on Friday, September 8, 2023 within downtown San Diego's Piazza della Famiglia to honor the late Boxing Hall of Fame Promoter Bobby DePhilippis and provide community support within Little Italy. 

 The inaugural event, sanctioned by USA Boxing and presented by Filippi's Pizza Grotto, will feature 12 fast paced bouts showcasing the best rising boxing talent from throughout Southern California. "Punches in the Piazza" is the first-ever live sports event held in the 10,000 square foot gathering spot revered by locals and visitors alike since its debut five years ago for its collection of public, residential, retail and restaurant spaces.
  
 The Punches in the Piazza commemorates the one-year anniversary of the passing of Bobby DePhilippis, 72. Bobby D, as most knew him, grew up in Little Italy and was the owner of Filippi's Pizza Grotto, as well as being a boxing promoter and philanthropist.

 The Punches in the Piazza venue will open to the public, All ages event. Onsite food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

 The Bobby D Foundation was created to honor my father and his love of boxing and to continue his philanthropy in the community, said Michelle DePhilippis. "The foundation will be donating the majority of the net "Punches in the Piazza" proceeds to Washington Elementary School whose student body faces one of the largest percentages of homelessness in San Diego County. The remaining funds will be donated to Convivio and The Little Italy Association. Both non-profits support the Little Italy community.

 Customized event marketing sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting the Punches in the Piazza charitable beneficiaries. Donations to the Bobby D Foundation are welcome and can be made online at bobbyde.org.
 
Bobby D Foundation
 The Bobby D Foundation's mission is to give help and hope to underprivileged children in the Filippi's Pizza Grotto communities by raising funds to provide resources that enable them to reach their full potential. We are tenacious in our efforts to provide them with educational opportunities, resources, and the support they need to succeed.

Washington Elementary School
 One of the oldest schools in San Diego County, Washington School Elementary educates students K-5 in downtown San Diego. A STEAM Magnet school, Washington Elementary School also serves a disproportionately high percentage of students whose families are homeless.

Convivio
 Provides advocates, donors, and volunteers the organizational capacity to advance Italian cultural identity, preserve Italian cultural-heritage assets, cultivate community and fellowship, and foster multicultural awareness through the arts and humanities.

The Little Italy Association of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation that was established in 1996 to oversee and expedite the revitalization and beautification of the Little Italy neighborhood in Downtown San Diego.

For more information on the event, to make a donation or to purchase tickets please visit www.BobbyDE.org or call (619) 420-8866