In Your Corner: Fighting for Mental Health

Two local champions are stepping into the ring for children’s mental health. Title Boxing Club Franklin is hosting a collaboration with Mad Charlie Inc. for a family-friendly kick-off event on May 24th from 1:00pm-3:00pm to launch a month-long fundraiser benefiting Kid S.M.A.R.T., a nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s lives through early identification and treatment of developmental and behavioral differences.

The event at Title Boxing Club Franklin (1550 W McEwen Dr, Ste 70) combines the power of physical fitness with mental health advocacy, featuring boxing demonstrations, mental health resources, and family-friendly activities that highlight how physical fitness and early intervention work hand-in-hand to support children’s wellbeing.

“Just as fighters train their bodies to be strong, we must train ourselves to recognize and take action when children and families need mental health support,” says Angela Powell, co-founder of Mad Charlie Inc. “Early intervention transforms lives. By identifying and addressing neurodevelopmental differences early, we reshape a child’s entire trajectory and strengthen their future community.”

Kid S.M.A.R.T. (Support for Medication, Assessment, Research, and Therapy) provides crucial neuropsychological evaluations and follow-up services that many Tennessee families desperately need. According to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 Tennessee children experience a mental health disorder annually, with less than half ever-receiving treatment. The Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth reported in 2023 that early intervention programs showed 73% improved outcomes for children with behavioral health needs.

Event attendees can participate in boxing demonstrations, access mental health resources, and learn how to contribute to the month-long fundraiser running through June 30th. Donations can be made online at madcharlieinc.com or by clicking the link HERE. Community members unable to attend can still support by donating to the link provided, sharing on social media and using the campaign hashtags #FightForMentalHealth #EarlyInterventionSaves #KidSMARTTN. Every dollar raised directly impacts local Tennessee children and families.