Mike Tyson Opens Up Charitable Organization ‘Mike Tyson Cares Foundation’

Mike Tyson has gone from heavyweight boxing champion, to convicted rapist, to ear biter, to movie star, to animal rights advocate and now he is throwing his hat in the ring (pun intended) with philanthropy. Tyson announced yesterday the formation of a new children’s charity called the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation. The organization vows to “give kids a fighting chance” by offering innovative centers that provide for the comprehensive needs of kids from broken homes.

Tyson’s charity site says:

“These needs may include healthcare assistance, shelter, school assistance, mentoring, job placement assistance and such other needs as determined by the center for the overall well being of the child.”

To kick things off, the foundation will host a star-studded gala at the Las Vegas hotspot TABU on December 7th – with all money raised benefting the Shade Tree Foundationand Awakenings; both of which assist needy children in the Las Vegas area.

Tyson said of the Foundation:

“I am very proud to launch Mike Tyson Cares Foundation. I want my legacy to be about charity and helping children. This is my start.”

LooktotheStars.org has also tipped us off to an amazing once-in-a-lifetime charity auction to sit ringside with Tyson (and a guest of your choice) at the December 8th fight of Pacquiao vs. Marquez. The charity says that the highest bid is currently at $16,000. If Tyson continues to bring in this kind of money his charity may just be off to a really good start.

Do you think Mike Tyson is going to succeed in launching this charity in a strong way?