Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-12-22
KING FAN PROVED IN OFFICIAL FIGURES FOR T
RING GAME PAYS ITS TRIBUTE
AND S7273.44 TO SMOKE FUND
AT BANNER BENEFIT PROGRAM
Fans, Boxers and the Promoters Responded
Literally and Virtually 100 Per Cent of
Money Taken in Went to the Cause
BY ROBERT w. MAXWELL

DONlNG has paid it's tribute TO the
- boys AT the front. The much
maligned sport OF the padded glove
stepped TO the front last wednesday
night and presented to the soldiers to-
bacco fund s1273.4f. the proceeds OF the
boxing show held at the Olympia A, A.
This money has been paid to Mrs. Will
liam Gray Warden, chairman OF the
tobacco fund, and II will be used TO pur-
chase smokes" for the boys
Mrs. Warden stated that the money
would furnish three ana one-nalf ship
ments to the boys. as each costs $4,000
She also said this morning that this
is the largest amount she. has received
from any one affair, the next highest
being a s2500 donation from wealthy
Philadclphian.
The fans Of Philadelphia responded
literally. They gave up their money
for the cause and gave the fistic game
the greatest boost 1t ever has had. They
made II possible for boxing TO do Its
bit" in the great war, and thousands
Of soldiers will offer their thanks when
the parcels Of tobacco are received. The
amount is far above the original esti-
mate. but as there were no expenses OF
which to speak. virtually 100 per cent Of
the money taken in at the door and sub
StIlUti ny ldI.S went W 'hO '"'''
How the Idea Originated
The idea for smoke show" was
first sprung at testimonial dinner
given to Louis II. Jaffe at Hotel Bing-
ham last November. william H. Evans.
who DISCUSSES himself as Peter Putter.
the golf expert" made stirring ad-
dress and suggested that the boxers do
their bit as well as the golfers.
Leon ". Raines Immediately jumped
10 his feet and said: That idea has
been discussed by Harry Edwards for
the ,ast two weeks. and now that some
one has spoken I wish to offer the
Olympia 4. A.. with everything con-
nected with II. including the office force.
heat. light and ushers. 20 be used as
the sporting editors of Philadelphia see
fit We will charge nothing for the
arena. and also will do all in our power
to make the show success" Then
the show was arranged.
Eddie Walker Alert
/ Mr.. Edwards has been i'll for the
last two months and could not take an
active part in the work. However he
directed affairs from his room and ably
was represented by Leon Raines, Ernes;
Jambor Chappy Marks. Al Crump, Jack
Hanlon and others. Eddie Walker con-
/ tributed his services at the pass gate
/ and performed his duties in his usual
! efficient manner. Eddie saw that the
/ free list was conspicuous by its absence.
Then the managers were asked to give
/ their boxers free of charge. Scotty Mon
/ teith. of New York, was the frs TO be
approached and he willingly offered
every man under his management He
brought over Paul Doyle and Augie Rat
ner and would have had Johnny Dun
dee on the job had he been well. Billy
GibSon was pleased to donate the serv'
ices of Benny Leonard. Dan Mcketricb
brought Patsy Cline and Joe Jeanette
and Doc Bagley was present with Willie
jackson and Benny Nalger
These men were under some expense
but they gave viii ingly to help the cause
: The unfortunate part of II all was that
no one would box Nalger and the boy
waited around dressed n abbreviated
ring costume for two hours and ther
didn't get a chance to perform Augi!
Rather also was disappointed because
the show was cut short.