As the new owners of Jabz Boxing Bel Air, the concept’s first studio in the state of Maryland, Helen and Larry O’Keefe had the opportunity to give back to their community even before their grand opening. By Cindy Charette

As the new owners of Jabz Boxing Bel Air, the concept’s first studio in the state of Maryland, Helen and Larry O’Keefe had the opportunity to give back to their community even before their grand opening. The franchisees joined forces with other local organizations as a sponsor of Bailey’s Heart and Sole 5K Charity Run this September in advance of the studio’s scheduled grand opening in November. The event was held to honor the life of a local student who passed away suddenly at the age of 16 earlier in the year.

The O’Keefes had a personal connection to the group that spearheaded the event. Helen shared that sponsoring the 5k allowed the Jabz Boxing team to support another local organization in the same community-driven spirit their neighbors have shown in welcoming their business to Bel Air. Funds raised from the run benefitted the American Heart Association, and, in total, the event raised over $10,000 in support of the charity.

While the O’Keefes have lived in the area for nearly 20 years, they have felt incredibly welcomed and supported in their new endeavor as local owners of Jabz Boxing. Helen said: “It was the community-focused attitude of Bel Air that drew us to open our business here. People are concerned about each other, they reach out to you, they’re supportive of one another, and we’re really excited to be part of a community that values this as much as we do. We’re thrilled to bring the first Jabz Boxing location to the state of Maryland.”

The Bel Air studio owners plan to stay involved in local community events, especially fitness-focused events, in the future. Supporting community events has always been core to the Jabz Boxing brand. In fact, the Jabz Boxing franchise community hosts twice-a-year charity events, where studios across the country unite to raise money for a rotating cause. At its core, Jabz Boxing is about being an active member of the community, giving back, and engaging in support of others.

For more information on the Jabz Boxing franchise opportunity, visit jabzfranchising.com.

– Cindy Charette