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Kickin' Out Katrina!

We weren't really sure what to do. We just knew we had to do something. Hurricane Katrina, (the worst natural disaster to hit the US in decades), unprecedented flooding, people evacuating by the thousands, the Red Cross, FEMA, and every relief organization across the country putting the word out. They needed help.

My wife, Mindy, and I looked at one another as if to say, "It's just a little park district martial arts program. What could we possibly do to lend a hand?" Then she got that look. You know. The same one she got when we walked into what is now our new house!

"Let's host a Kick-A-Thon! We can raise money for the Red Cross and the give the kids an opportunity to really make a difference!"

Well, enough said. Paper started copying, flyers started printing, and spreadsheets began spreading. It was a Kinko's red-letter day! We collaborated on music, schedules, tote boards, manila envelopes, and even the title!

Now, it wasn't that I had objections. I really wanted to do something. It's just that I never actually ran a "kick-a-thon" before. I did see one... once. So, to say I was a little apprehensive was a definite understatement. However, undaunted, Mindy spurred me on. It was important and people were counting on us. Hence, we made up packets with an explanation letter that the students could offer any potential donor/sponsor and handed them out during regular classes. It explained about the event and that all monies received would be forwarded to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund.

The event took place Sept. 29th. Each class participated during its normal time: Tiny Tigers at 5:30pm, Kids at 6:45pm and Advanced Kids/Adults at 8:00pm. The room was setup: the donation table was over near the corner, the large white tote boards with everyone's preprinted name were centered on the wall behind it. The music was cued up and ready to rock: "Kung-Fu-Fighting", "Eye of the Tiger," and "Foot Loose," just to name a few. I was meetin' & greetin' as the little people came bounding in, thinking to myself, "This is going to be exciting!"

After a quick explanation (Six 30 second rounds, performing either front kick, round kick or knee kick; first on the left side, then all again on the right.) and a little logistical support from a few parents, the tiny tigers were ready to kick. The music started followed by a sharp "GO!" from yours truly and the kick-a-thon was underway. Short legs were bouncing off targets, little "Hi-Yahs!" echoed from everywhere and a roomful of cheers and laughter could be heard up and down the halls outside the classroom.

This set the stage for the rest of the evening. It came and went like wild fire! I remember jumping in next to students coaxing them to kick higher or faster. Every now and then I'd look up and see Miss Mindy and a helper feverishly writing down totals. There were cameras flashing and parents jockeying for better viewing positions. At one point, I recall glancing around the room and was amazed to see standing room only! You could feel the electricity in the air. The energy was tremendous! After each round, we went student by student and shouted their totals up to Miss Mindy for recording on the official giant tote board. Kick totals were reaching mammoth proportions. 376 for one, 354 for another, it was truly a spectacular site. We almost had to bring in special cooling fans just for the calculators!

All totaled at the end of the evening were thousands of kicks, hundreds of pictures, several dead batteries (camera and calculator both) and two very tired and tickled teachers. The kick-a-thon was a huge success! To the assistants, students, parents, friends and neighbors we offer our deepest appreciation. It was through their donations of either time or money, and the effort of students of the Villa Park Karate Club that we were able to exceed our original goal of $2000.00. We were deeply moved when the final total reached $4,600.00!

Tang Soo!!!

Tony Perkins, Sam Dan, #20951
Head Instructor, Villa Park Karate Club

Mindy Perkins, Cho Dan, #37244
Instructor, Villa Park Karate Club

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