JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS VIGIL FOR MOHAMMAD ALI

Jean Shafiroff With Saoul Mamby And Flo Anthony

Jean Shafiroff And Gerry Cooney

Retired heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff hosted a packed candlelight vigil to honor the legendary Mohammad Al who passed away on June 4th after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease'. The event took place at Vero Cafe on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Boxer Gerry Cooney spoke movingly of his longtime friendship with Ali, calling him "loving and generous."Joining Gerry at the podium was co-host, the celebrity philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, author of the new book 'Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give. She spoke about how much Ali did on the charity circuit, especially when he was debilitated for over 30 years by Parkinson's disease. "This handicap did not stop him from giving back, in fact it encouraged him to do more," explained Ms. Shafiroff. Also addressing the group were former Welterweight Champion Saoul Mamby and Vero owner Sammy Musovic who recalled going to Madison Square Garden to see one of Ali's immortal bouts.