Jonathan Ogden Foundation
Jonathan Ogden standing with body painter Jen Seidel and her painted models at his charity event. “Evening at Ringside”.
One of my favorite events of the year would be for the Jonathan Ogden Foundation, “An Evening Ringside” boxing event. The Jonathan Ogden Foundation, Inc was established in 1996 as a tax-exempt charitable organization to assist young people in disadvantaged communities develop self-esteem through athletics and education. The evening at Martin’s West includes a seated dinner, open bar, program honoring Ogden’s career and contributions to the community, silent & live auctions and more. This will be the fifth year in a row that I have been included featuring my body painted models. This is an event that always draws an amazing crowd and a lot of energy.
Jonathan Phillip Ogden (born July 31, 1974) is an American former college and professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. He played college football for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and was recognized as an All-American. Drafted in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft, he played his entire professional career for the Baltimore Ravens. He was an eleven-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine-time All-Pro. On February 2, 2013, Ogden was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first player to spend his entire career as a Raven.He was also the Baltimore Ravens first player to ever make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jen Seidel standing with her body painted models for the Jonathan Ogden Foundation “Evening at Ringside” Event.
To prepare for this event my photographer, 2 models and myself arrive at Martin’s West 5 hours earlier as it takes two hours to hand paint Jonathan’s Raven’s # 75 into a painted jersey for each model. Over the years I have switched around the football teams theme colors creating artistic football jerseys but we always do the expected #75 on each painted top honoring the NFL player. I like to add as much detail as I can by keeping it as realistic as possible and I like to add rhinestones and painted laced strings down the back making it a bit more fashionable. The models wear black sports shorts and black knee high boots to complete the look along with full hair and makeup. Once painted, the girls and I stroll around the ballroom with our photographer greeting people as they arrive and taking pictures with the guests and with Jonathan himself. There are always smiles and friendly familiar faces as we make our way around the room.
The guests always enjoy the painted models at the event and we are asked to come back each year, which makes me feel special as I know we add an exclusive service and buzz to the event. I am honored to be a part of an event that raises money for such a great cause with great people!