MANALAPAN — On Dec. 10 more than 150 students convened at Klein’s Taekwondo Academy in Manalapan to participate in a special kick-a-thon that will benefit Enable NJ, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping handicapped individuals lead more independent lives.
According to a press release, the kick-athon is just one of many events the students have participated in to support Enable this year. They also orchestrated a complete home makeover for an Enable-built group home, held multiple bake sales, and organized a jump-rope-a-thon and a bowl-a-thon.
“A good portion of these activities are planned by the kids; this is what makes these events so special and worthwhile,” said Bryan Klein, the co-founder of Klein’s Taekwondo Academy. “It’s incredibly heartwarming to see that our kids are stepping up to make a difference.”
The students are working toward their ultimate goal of raising $100,000 for Enable. This year’s fundraising activities will culminate on Jan. 24 when the students of all five United Taekwondo Academies will meet at the Millstone Performing Arts Center in neighboring Millstone Township for the 2008 Martial Arts with Hearts (MAWH) fifth annual extravaganza to perform an exciting martial arts demonstration in front of friends, family and the community, and to present the check to representatives of Enable.
According to the press release, MAWH is dedicated not only to raising money for different organizations each year, it also strives to instill in its students a sense of pride, leadership and obligation to the community in which they live.
“We encourage the students to take philosophies of the martial arts and use them to make a difference in the world,” Klein said. “After all, what good are focus, concentration and self-discipline if you can only use these powerful words to break boards?”
Since starting the drive for Enable in January 2008, the students of United Taekwondo Academies have raised more than $25,000. The kick-a-thon was expected to raise more than $10,000.
“That’s a lot of ramps, wheelchairs and handicapped accessible doors,” Klein said.
Martial Arts with Hearts is a philanthropic, nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and donating funds for worthy charities using the core message inherent in martial arts as its driving philosophy: to become a champion for justice and cause for good. According to the press release, 100 percent of donations go directly to a charity.
MAWH students are all part of United Taekwondo Academies, all of whom have raised money and helped support causes such as the March of Dimes, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Institute for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders, and COSAC.
Since 1948, Enable’s mission has been to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of life. The organization provides assessment, training, therapy and support for nearly 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families annually. Enable empowers people with disabilities to achieve their goals at home, school, work, and play.