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Gideon Boxing Gym seeks $100,000 to expand transportation, competition and scholarships
Summary
Joe Mendez and legislative director Bob Anderson told the Appropriations subcommittee the Saginaw nonprofit needs $100,000 for a van, USA Boxing fees, equipment and scholarships to widen youth access and reduce barriers to competition.
Representative Timmy Beeson's legislative director Bob Anderson and program founder Joe Mendez asked the committee for a $100,000 legislative‑directed grant to expand Gideon Boxing Gym’s youth programming in Saginaw.
Anderson said the gym serves more than 60 youth and young adults and that the funds would pay for a transportation van, USA Boxing membership and tournament fees, stipends, scholarships and facility improvements. Mendez described Gideon as “more than a boxing gym,” emphasizing mentorship and life‑skills coaching led by three veteran coaches who also volunteer as instructors.
Mendez outlined specific cost drivers: about $75 monthly per athlete for USA Boxing participation, coach and gym registration fees, travel and tournament costs, and equipment and facility upgrades. The presenters said the gym already provides food giveaways and basic wellness supports and sought state help primarily to remove transportation as a barrier for low‑income neighborhoods on Saginaw’s West Side.
Committee members asked about long‑term sustainability. Mendez said Gideon has local sponsorships, board oversight and prior grant experience (including a CDBG packet) but acknowledged $100,000 would be a major boost that the gym could not fully replace without larger philanthropic or sponsorship commitments. The committee recorded the request for consideration; no formal vote was taken at the hearing.
