“Mendies Haven is an organization run by someone close to us, a former student, and they needed help with money to help feed, educate and clothe children that have nowhere else to go,” said Dave Wheaton, founder and owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness. “We decided that the annual fundraiser the school conducts would be used for Mendies Haven and we asked our students to help. We set our goal at $15,000 knowing that every penny raised would go directly to the children. We met out goal, and I could not be prouder of our school.”
“We were able to raise money through a Kick-a-Thon and a silent auction, as well as donations from local businesses,” added Lori Kibbie, an Instructor and manager at MAFF. “Our staff, instructors and students volunteered their time to execute the fundraiser. They solicited donations, donated their time and in many cases donated money themselves.”
Students and staff of Martial Arts Family Fitness had the opportunity to kick for three minutes and raise money through either “per-kick” or “flat” pledges. “I am honored to have students at our school that see the importance of helping others,” added Mr. Wheaton. “During our annual All-School Promotion, taking place this coming Saturday, we will present a check in the amount of $15,000 to a representative of Mendies Haven.”
The total number of people participating in the Kick-A-Thon was 75, combining for 11,293 kicks in the three minute period. The group included black belts, adult and several youth martial arts students.
About Martial Arts Family Fitness
Martial Arts Family Fitness is an award winning school that opened its doors in Santa Barbara in 2002. The Chief Instructor, Master Dave Wheaton has trained in martial arts for over 40 years, and is the founder of Hapkido International, an organization that teaches his unique martial arts curriculum of Dynamic Circle Hapkido to many schools across the United States. Martial Arts Family Fitness teaches martial arts and fitness classes to adults and children, specializing in children’s life skills, youth leadership and family fitness. For information on Martial Arts Family Fitness visit www.kickboxers.com or call 805.963.6233.