Local karate club raises more than 75K for charity!

While most people lazily lounged around their houses, enjoying the leisure and rest Sunday brings, more than 500 ISKC students were hard at work at Harper College this past weekend, kicking and punching in solidarity at the 2015 Kick For Cures.

The annual fundraiser collects donations that are allocated to eight different charities that provide support and cure research, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Autism Speaks, Alzheimer’s Foundation, and Augie’s Quest. Last year, ISKC friends and families raised more than 65,000 dollars for those charities. This year, participants smashed that total, already raising more than 75,000 dollars at the end of the event.

Walking into Harper’s gymnasium, it was clear the event was going to be a success. The gym became covered in a sea of white as rows of people in their karate gis lined up across the floor eagerly awaiting their cue from the instructors on the front stage. As the clock struck one, music began to pump through the ceiling speakers signaling to students their workout was to begin.

At the front of the room, instructors stood on an elevated stage, leading students of all ages and belt ranks through four 15-minute sessions. Upon the sensei’s cue, the group moved together like a machine, kicking and punching in unison.

“The number of students and instructors who come together at this event is incredible” Illinois Shotokan Booster Club Board Member Bill Bastian said as he peered out at the crowd. “The energy in here is amazing. It’s electric.”

Before long, participants were breathing hard, sweat shimmering across their foreheads, a testament of their hard work. After each of the four sessions, students hard work was rewarded with a quick water break and prize giveaways. Some of the prizes included vouchers for tournament registration, Zhan Shin gis, a set of Bluetooth speakers, and a golf outing. 17-year-old Nathan Agno, who was the top fundraiser for the second year in a row, won a pair of Blackhawks tickets for the 2016 season.

Though the prizes certainly helped motivate many to raise more money and be the biggest donor, that wasn’t the reason why Bastian attended the event. His personal connections to cancer and disease inspired him to raise more than $2,600. “I’ve had my own bout with cancer,” he said. “I lost my uncle to cancer. I’ve lost my mother to Parkinson’s. So, I have my own personal issues with these diseases.”

Bastian hopes that the money raised via Kick For Cures can help people like himself and his family members whose health was hindered by disease.

Twelve-year-old Noah Rieber’s passion for charity work helped fuel his fundraising, but it was witnessing two of his own karate instructors battle illness that really made it hit home. “I was training with Sensei David Renner when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Then, my other instructor, Ms. Parma had thyroid cancer.”

Noah’s dad, George, said that Sensei’s Renner’s experience not only motivated Noah fundraise more money, but it also inspired him to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon so he can help people like Sensei Renner.

However, you don’t need to be a neurosurgeon to make a difference in our Kick For Cures fundraiser. Even if you could not attend our event this weekend, there’s still time to donate! The Kick For Cures virtual kick-a-thon will be running until December 31st. Help ISKC make history by reaching $100,000! Donate now at KickForCures.com!