TOMA Raises $14,000 for CHOP in Trooper PA

TOMA Martial Arts Break-athon Trooper,PA Raises $14,000 for Childrens' Hospital of Philadelphia Adelaide Fund As Over 500 Watch

View Photos (3) Image © 2008 claire nzerem

TOMA Raises $14,000 at CHOP Breakathon for Adelaide Fund

TOMA Martial Arts of 2828 Ridge Pike in Trooper PA held its 5th Annual CHOP Break-A-Thon event Sunday September 28, 2008 raising over $14,000 in monetary contributions for the Adelaide Toussaint Fund.

  Proceeds from the event will go toward the hopeful establishment of a supervised sibling care center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as a memorial to Adelaide Toussaint, whom the family lost to neurofibromatosis in 2007.

  The Adelaide Center would provide a safe place for children accompanying parents to recieve supervision and care while their parents are with other children recieving medical treatment.

   Toma students ranging in age from 5 to 65 broke hundreds of boards as a standing room only crowd of over 500 or more enthusiastic onlookers cheered on children and adult participants who utilized various martial arts techniques ranging from standard kicks and blocks to spectacular 360 degree aerial kicks in an effort to execute the principles of "unselfish giving and making a difference in the community", as taught in training by the schools' instructor, Master Nam Min Kim.

   Other martial arts activities occurred including Masters' demonstrations, haidong gumdo sword demonstrations, double nunchuck and kama demos, free self defense workshops, offered to community members, as well as intermittent announcements of raffle winners thoughout the day adding to the excitement of the high spirited, cheering crowd.

    The atomosphere was like a "Crouching Tiger-Hidden Dragon" sequel, the only thing missing was a surprise appearance from Jackie Chan or Jet Li, until Master Nam Min Kim sliced through several concrete blocks, then took a running flying dive off a 5 ft dojo pole bursting three ladder hand held balloons mid-air.

    Last years 4th Annual Chop event organized by TOMA staff and Mr. Kim yielded over $13,000 in funds for the hospital far exceeding their anticipated goal.

   Students, staff, parents and family members worked diligently this year collecting board pledges from the general community, businesses, and private sources to successfully raise over $14,000 in support for the Adelaide Fund.

   In 2004 TOMA raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and additionally over $30,000 for other CHOP medical ventures. Mr. Kim made these remarks regarding TOMAs' committment to CHOP and the community.

     "TOMA has grown remarkably in the past year and we continue to strive to be a reputable leader in the community with events like our Break-a-thon;it is our hope that funds raised can make a difference in improving the lives of the children throughout the region."

   TOMA Martial Arts offers Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Hai Dong Gumdo, and other training based on philosophical principals, traditional virtues and values. For more information on Traditional Oriental Martial Arts or this event contact Risha Rinker 1-610-631-2310. 

Published on 10/6/08