Breakathon for Charity
Gurnee, IL - Kuk Sool Won of Gurnee will be hosting its first ever "break-a-thon" from 5:30pm - 6:30 pm on June 21, 2018. The event will be held at the Centre Club of Gurnee (1405 Hunt Club Road) in conjunction with their annual ice cream social.
The break-a-thon will feature Kuk Sool Won students that will be breaking boards with a variety of high energy kicks. Kuk Sool Won, a Korean martial arts combat system focused on kicks, punches and sweeps, provides students with an opportunity to learn discipline, respect for authority and how to defend themselves. It also helps to boost self-confidence while improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Every board that is broken will generate a contribution to a local charity. All proceeds from the event will benefit Twice As Nice Mother & Child, a 501(c)(3) organization in Gurnee that strives to ensure that families have their most basic needs met, regardless of income or circumstance. The organization, which is run entirely by a tiny but mighty team of eleven volunteers, provides assistance free of charge.
"The kids actually came up with the idea for this event. Their involvement in martial arts does not present them with any traditional fundraising opportunities like selling cookies or popcorn. They knew this type of event would be a blast and a way they could help others. Who doesn't like to break stuff?", said Jonathan Kness, instructor at Kuk Sool Won of Gurnee. "When they came to me with the idea, I thought why not! Helping others is a major part of Kuk Sool Won." The students quickly began collecting pledges and looking for folks to help.
The Centre Club of Gurnee, where Kuk Sool Won classes are held three nights per week, is thrilled to be involved with the event. "It is wonderful that the kids saw a need and jumped up to find a way to help. We are happy to assist the students in any way we can," said Kristin Foster of Centre Club of Gurnee. "The fact that the fundraiser is in conjunction with our ice cream social makes it even more exciting!"
Twice As Nice Mother & Child is dedicated to providing help and hope to families in crisis. Their programs aim to eliminate some of the barriers to access basic needs that many Lake County families face. The organization distributes gently used items (clothing, shoes, baby gear, children's books) and other childcare necessities like diapers, wipes and infant formula through partnerships with over 30 social service agencies and direct service. Over 150 families rely on Twice As Nice Mother & Child for help each month and the organization has provided nearly half a million diapers to children in need. "Our goal is to connect more individuals and families to the basic needs that Twice As Nice Mother & Child provides in order to create a stronger, healthier and more stable community. The Kuk Sool Won break-a-thon fundraiser will increase awareness about our organization and help to drive our mission forward by supporting our programs", said Ann Marie Mathis, founder and executive director of Twice As Nice Mother & Child. "Events like this enable us to continue to fill the gaps in service that significantly impact the most vulnerable residents in Lake County".
If you are interested in sponsoring or contributing to the Kuk Sool Won break-a-thon event, please call 847-775-0123. For more information about Twice As Nice Mother & Child or to make a secure donation online, please call 224-637-1644 or visit www.twiceasnicemc.org.