JOHNSTOWN — Each year the students of the American Zen Do Kai Martial Arts School in Johnstown hold a fundraiser to benefit various community groups, including: Kick Drugs out of America (Chuck Norris), Habitat for Humanity, The Gloversville Salvation Army, Mountain Valley Hospice and this year, the American Red Cross.
“We are extremely pleased to announce the students and families were able to raise a total of $1,580,” said Robert Streeter, chief instructor at the school, in a news release.
The advanced class junior and adult students completed in a Spar-A-Thon of 12 exhausting and sweaty two-minute rounds. Everyone was in great spirits during the sparring event, and were happy to raise the donations for a great cause given the recent tragedy in Las Vegas and the hurricane in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
“Raising donations for charity is a part of what we do here at the school,” said Rob Streeter in the release. “The club coming together gives the students a sense of satisfaction for helping others in need, and demonstrates how important giving back is.”
“The families that attend the Sparring/Kick-A-Thon are always pleased with the progress the students are showing with their confidence levels, martial arts skills and how much fun they have during and after the fund raiser,” said Bonnie Streeter, head instructor at the club, in the release.
The beginning and intermediate students held a Punch/Kick-A-Thon to raise funds as part of the event. In total, the students were able to achieve 1,153 punches and kicks.
“The students are awesome during our fundraisers and they cheer each other on to keep going,” said Bonnie Streeter in the release. “Our next community event is our annual holiday toy drive to benefit the Gloversville Salvation Army.”
The Zen Do Kai is located at 490 N, Perry St. in Johnstown and has karate classes for ages 3 through adult.
For more information, call 762-4723 or visit the club website for the latest news, including community events, and specials at www.americanzendokai.com.
Photos and class information are also posted to Facebook at www.facebook.com/AZDKUSA.
