Northwest Suburban Illinois Shotokan Gives Nearly $70,000 in Scholarships, Awards
Since 1986, Illinois Shotokan Karate Club and its 501 (c) 3 non-profit Booster Club have partnered to present a yearly banquet which highlights and rewards students, coaches, referees and instructors, along with parents who are involved in the many programs offered. The club provides instruction to students at 75 park districts around the Chicago area.
The 2015 banquet was held on Sunday, November 8 at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, where 553 awards were given out, including $69,500 in scholarships to students, coaches and referees. Spirit awards were also given to parents who provide a variety of support for the karate programs as a whole.
The event began with a social hour where nearly 600 attendees gathered to enjoy a dinner, karate demonstrations, and musical performances by students, along with an awards presentation that honored all recipients.
Among the awards given out were Most Improved in six different age divisions, Competitor of the Year, Teaching Awards, Travel Scholarships (for out of state and out of country travel costs for competitions attended by students, instructors and referees) and Longevity Awards for those who have been involved in the programs for 15 to 30 years and even longer.
The marquis event of the evening was the presentation of the Academic Awards, which ranged from $500 to $5,000 per recipient, and are based on length and duration of service by teachers and instructors receiving their post-secondary education while working with Illinois Shotokan Karate Club. Training Scholarships are also awarded to in-need families that assist them in covering instruction costs.
"What I find most rewarding is to see the mix of new students and those with us for 30 years and longer, while we all honor the scope of our organization," said John DiPasquale, founder of Illinois Shotokan Karate Club. "We have always put a strong emphasis on giving back, which is a valuable commitment we have made for decades."
Volunteers, though the Booster Club Executive Committee and Board of Directors, along with parents and students who give their time to assist with student instruction, also received a 'thank you' during the event.
"We like to lead by example, to highlight all of the people who continually volunteer their time; I am very pleased to see that our vision is being achieved out there," DiPasquale said. "It is truly a WE and TEAM mentality, it's not just about karate."
The Booster Club is the fundraising arm of Illinois Shotokan Karate Club and leads candy drives twice per year that help to fund and support the scholarship program. The group also hosts the the Kick for Cures Kick-a-Thon event, which raises funds for 11 different charities, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Make-A-Wish, American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks and others, as well as seeks corporate sponsorships to grow all programs.
The Jennifer Malloy Scholarship Fund also is a recipient, and was started for former Illinois Shotokan Karate Club student, Jennifer Malloy, who battled cancer and ultimately succumbed to the disease. Her family received $30,000 to assist with medical costs. The fund still continues and monies raised are donated to various non-profit organizations.
Overall, DiPasquale is extremely satisfied with how both the karate club and the booster organization have grown through the years.
"What makes us unique is that the goal is not necessarily to win; we believe we should all work to be better than we were yesterday," he said.
ABOUT ILLINOIS SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUBS:
Founded by John DiPasquale in 1978, Illinois Shotokan Karate Club is headquartered in Palatine, and has grown to serve 75 park districts around the Chicagoland area. The club offers recreational weekly classes taught by knowledgeable instructors, as well as opportunities to compete. In addition to four local tournaments hosted by ISKC each year, the club also offers the opportunity for students to compete in national and international tournaments. ISKC is known for their quality competitors and high level coaching. In 2013, the club had 28 athletes represent Team USA at the World Shotokan Karate Championships.
DiPasquale is a four-time National Champion and former United States Team Coach. Sensei DiPasquale was the only actively teaching karate coach in the country to have been named to the 27 member national faculty of the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP). Visit www.ISKC.com for more information.