Photos: Tim Bradley Gives Back To Elementary School in Indio

Palm Desert-based Back Story Publishing has released its inaugural book entitled “Hard to Heart: How Boxer Tim Bradley Won Championships and Respect,” a biography geared to middle-grade readers about five-time World Champion boxer and Palm Springs, CA, resident Tim Bradley. As an element in the standard agreement with a book’s subject, Back Story Publishing makes a $5,000 contribution to the charity of the subject’s choice.

Bradley and his wife, Monica, selected the library at Amelia Earhart Elementary School of International Studies in nearby Indio as the recipient of this contribution.

Today, “Hard to Heart” author Bill Dwyre and Brady presented a $5,000 check to Earhart principal Ann Morales and Desert Sands Unified School District Superintendent Scott Bailey in front of the 900+ students at the school. Each of the students also received a copy of “Hard to Heart: How Boxer Tim Bradley Won Championships and Respect,” and each teacher received a classroom copy of the book autographed by Bradley and Dwyre.

Tim Bradley perfectly fit Dwyre’s vision of a first subject for a book developed by Back Story. From being a combative child growing up in Palm Springs, to channeling his love of boxing into a successful career, and from being down to his last $11 before he won his first world title, to becoming what he is today: a five-time World Champion boxer in two weight classes (retired); a volunteer football coach at La Quinta High School; a board member for a youth football program for underprivileged children; father to five busy children with wife Monica; and a businessman working alongside Monica who owns a healthy-options, quick-service restaurant – Haus of Poké -- in Rancho Mirage, CA, with two additional restaurants in the works. He and Monica also manage/mentor two up-and-coming local boxers: Edgar Alfredo Martinez and Dominic Serna, Jr. In the Coachella Valley of Southern California, Bradley is seen as an inspiration for perseverance over challenges and for giving back to the community.

“I never, ever expected to have a bio written about me,” said Bradley. “It’s a double thrill that one has been and that it’s for young people. I believe in reading, education and pursuing your dreams, and I hope the lessons I learned the hard way, and that Bill talked about in the book, will help other kids find a smoother path.”

Newly launched Back Story Publishing is the brainchild of Dwyre, award-winning former sports editor and later columnist of the Los Angeles Times. Dwyre envisioned a company that produced books about athletes who contribute to their sport and their community, and who have a compelling personal story demonstrating perseverance and success over life’s challenges. Dwyre also hoped that kids – who spend much of their time on electronic devices using their thumbs – would be inspired to pick up a book and read. “Hard to Heart” is available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in paperback and e-book formats, and from the Apple iTunes store.