Edison, NJ (1888PressRelease)
October 30, 2007 - NEW PROVIDENCE – On Saturday, October 13, Karate World students gathered in the Village Shopping Center in New Providence, NJ for a charity kick-a-thon and celebration of National Martial Arts Day. The event raised nearly $2,000 and drew participants as young as 4 years old. Residents from Berkeley Heights NJ, Summit NJ, and Chatham NJ, participated in the event.
Karate World’s students took part in the sixth annual National Martial Arts Day Kick-a-thon Fundraiser to prevent juvenile crime and also took part in the attempt to break the world record of 8.3 million kicks performed in one hour simultaneously across the United States.
Each time zone was designated one hour in which to perform their kicks and raise funds for Project Action.
From 1 to 2 p.m., Karate World - Black Belt Academy took part in the national Kick-a-thon and Karate World students of all ages threw a total of 15,398 kicks and raised $1,899 for the Project Action Foundation.
The Project Action Foundation is a national children’s charity whose mission is to prevent juvenile crime and gang involvement by providing disadvantaged and at risk children with the opportunity to become involved in martial arts programs. These programs stress respect, discipline, courage, and integrity, help teach goal-setting skills and instill a positive work ethic.
In the spirit of preventing juvenile crime, the students welcomed Sergeant Frank Gaffney of the New Providence, NJ Police Department as a guest speaker. Sgt. Gaffney a former D.A.R.E. Officer spoke to the young participants about having respect for authority, living a healthy and drug-free lifestyle, and being responsible for one’s actions.
Master Rich Brugger and his wife Michelle, owners of Karate World in New Providence, NJ received support at the October 13 event from the New Providence, NJ Police and Department of Public Works. Mr. and Mrs. Brugger note that the success of the day was due to the commitment of their Karate World students who came out that day to participate and volunteer their time. According to Mr. Brugger, “We were truly honored to participate in the world record attempt and contribute to the fundraising efforts. We are extremely proud of our students who raised funds for this wonderful cause and participated in the kick-a-thon.”
