A recent jump and kick-a-thon held at Action Karate in Cinnaminson raised funds for Integrated Therapy Center (ITC) in Mount Laurel.
The event was held Saturday and coordinated by Mandi Vilares, a student at Action Karate who has also utilized the services of ITC.
Vilares coordinated the event as part of the Action Karate Community Service Project, which is required by every student testing for a black belt.
Director Matthew Brenner said, “Miss Mandi really wanted to do something that would make a real impact in the community, all while having fun and getting to kick targets.”
“It’s truly amazing how the years leading up to earning your black belt how our students develop discipline and motivation to create and run an event like this.”
Vilares chose to do the kick-a-thon for her project and donate the money to ITC, which focuses on recovery, family therapy, individual therapy and group therapy.
There were close to 40 people on the mats during the fundraiser on Saturday plus an additional 10 volunteers.
The event raised $1,097 for ITC.
“I have personal history with ITC,” Vilares said. “I’ve done some group therapy work with them. Through them I’ve met others who’ve had a lot of success there.”
“They will use the money for people looking to continue therapy who cannot afford it or to begin in the program.”
During the event volunteers also sold various items to help raise funds for ITC.
“At one point I was looking out on the mats and saw all of these amazing people that I know are going through struggles of their own and are there out of the kindness of their heart,” Vilares said. “We wanted to show the community around us what martial arts means to us. To me, it’s people doing things for their surrounding community.”
The goal of the event was to have people jumping and kicking on the mats for a period of 50 minutes.
“The doctors and the staff at ITC take the time to make a personal connection with every individual,” Vilares said. “That connection is what I feel allows them to guide them in the right direction.”
For more information about Integrated Therapy Center, visit their website.
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