Final Results: Boston Karate Students Help Haiti Earthquake Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON (Allston), Mass., March 1, 2010 -- The adult karate students of Boston's Emerald Necklace Martial Arts have successfully raised more than $5,000 to help the victims of January's earthquake in Haiti.

The students raised the funds by collecting flat donations and by receiving one-cent pledges from individual sponsors for each push-up and sit-up performed by dojo members within a 30-day period. The dojo also held a "Kickboxing for a Cause" workout on January 26 that raised a total of $700. All donations have been sent to the American Red Cross.

"The donations we received ranged in size from $8 to $225," says Sensei Jason Gould, Director and Chief Instructor at Emerald Necklace Martial Arts. "Most contributions were around $30. Little by little, the collective efforts of many people added up to a significant amount -- one that will hopefully make a difference to those in need."

One member of the dojo, Jeff Ward-Bailey, personally collected more than $1,000 in donations from family members, friends, and coworkers. He filmed every push-up and sit-up that he performed and posted it on his blog for accountability and to inspire others.

"We're especially proud of Jeff," Gould says. "He set a great example for all of us to follow."

To learn more about how Emerald Necklace Martial Arts uses martial arts philosophy and principles to serve the community and the world, please visit their website's project portfolio, or contact Sensei Jason Gould by email or by phone: 617-230-1973.