Arlngton Heights Students Kick for Charity

Last weekend, over 500 local karate students kicked and punched to raise money at Kick for Cures, an annual event designed to help fund charities that battle against devastating illnesses that have affected many of ISKC’s students and family members.

Kick for Cures Kick-A-Thon, held at Harper College in Palatine, gathered karate students of all ages, ranging from 4 years to adult, as they performed as many techniques within one hour to show their support and volunteerism.

Prior to the event on Sunday, karate students had solicited donations from family members and neighbors on their individual fundraising pages. At the start of the Kick-A-Thon, the students had already raised over $45,000 online, with the additional funds tallying up at the culmination of the event to exceed over $70,000. After the full hour of kicking and punching was over, families stayed afterwards to socialize and reflect at a Kick for Cures sponsored pizza party.

In the past the charities that the Kick For Cures has supported include:

• Make A Wish
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• Alzheimer's Foundation
• Augie's Quest
• American Brain Tumor Association
• Autism Speaks
• Bear Necessities

• Jennifer Malloy Scholarship Fund

• Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

Chief Instructor and President of ISKC, John DiPasquale explains that one of the main goals of his karate program is to teach students the value of being a good citizen.

“I am very pleased that our students are willing to participate in this event,” DiPasquale says.  “By being involved in Kick for Cures, students are not only learning the value of volunteerism, but what it truly means to give back to the community.”

While the Kick for Cures Kick-a-thon has passed, the ISKC karate students will continue to raise funds through December 31st, 2013 in hopes of meeting the $100,000 goal.

If you would like to sponsor an ISKC student or create your own fundraising page for Kick for Cures, please visit kickforcures.com.

About Illinois Shotokan Karate Club   

ISKC was established in 1978 and serves over 70 park districts for students, ages four years to adult, in park district and community center programs throughout Metropolitan Chicago. Well-trained instructors, utilizing the principles of the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP), developed at the University of Illinois, teach ISKC’s karate classes.  The instructors’ patient guidance helps students feel good about themselves, as well as reap the rewards from the sport itself. Inherent in karate are benefits that translate into the classroom and other areas of life. By its nature, it promotes self-discipline, confidence, coordination, fitness and a sense of satisfaction and well-being.

Almost since its inception, through its parent booster organization, the ISKC has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarship money to promising students.  These monetary awards have assisted ISKC students with college expenses, and enabled many students to compete in local and national tournaments.

ISKC is proud to offer our karate program, one that is a proven leader in its field.  You can feel confident that you and/or your child will be getting the best the sport has to offer.