PRESS RELEASE: Boxing trainer and ESPN/2 Friday Night Fights analyst Teddy Atlas champions the cause of the less fortunate every day, and those works on behalf of the needy will culminate at the ninth annual Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation Dinner on Thursday night, November 17, a the Hilton Gardens Inn in Staten Island, with a bevy of sports and entertainment giants on hand to help the cause.

Traditionally and appropriately held on the Thursday one week prior to Thanksgiving, the "Teddy Dinner" assists many individuals in need and special causes in the New York metropolitan area and throughout the country, while many celebrities give the big assist to make the gala one of the most looked-forward-to fundraisers of the year.

This year's Teddy Dinner will be no exception with the list of luminaries reading like a sports and entertainment who's who: tennis great John McEnroe, former world heavyweight champions Larry Holmes and Michael Moorer, television star Chris Noth of HBO's Sex in the City and NBC's Law and Order, ex-Met star Johnny Franco, former Jets standouts Greg Buttle and Marty Lyons, ever-popular fighter "Irish" Mickey Ward, broadcasters Bob Papa, the radio voice of the Giants on WFAN,  Max Kellerman, ESPN-1050 Radio host, and WFAN Radio's dynamic Mike and The Mad Dog duo, Mike Francesa and Christopher Russo, joining the frey to give back to those in need.

The gala remembers and champions the benevolent works of Dr. Theodore Atlas, the Staten Island medical doctor, Teddy's father, who will never be forgotten for his good deeds throughout a legendary life.

The gala includes open bar cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30 PM, followed by the spectacular dinner and awards. To purchase tickets priced at $200 per person call 888-505-7070. For more information log onto www.dratlasfoundation.com.  All proceeds are donated to help improve the quality of life for those in need.