ATA Martial Arts breaks boards for Red Cross

The ATA Martial Arts System in Manassas came up with a very unique fundraising event for the 2009 Prince William American Red Cross Heroes campaign.

The students were eager to test their techniques and show their skills to the many friends and family, so they put on the company's first "Break-A-Thon" recently.

They raised $4,000 which was donated to the Heroes drive.

Chief instructor Andres Rodriguez coordinated the activities.

More than 25 families participated in the event, showing lots of energy and enthusiasm.

About 800 "rebreakable" boards were broken during 12 one-minute breaking sessions. Students ranged in age from three to adult and they collected pledges and sponsorships for their board-breaking prowess from friends and family prior to the event.

During intermission, students, leaders, Rodriguez and crowd favorites Lourdes Rodriguez and Kung Fu Panda took to the mats to perform acts of strength and discipline.

The audience was treated to the breaking of wooden boards with hands, elbows and feet but parents had to donate to the Red Cross to see each demonstration. Several students even amazed themselves by breaking their first wooden board. Other fundraising antics of the afternoon included sparring, chin ups, jumping towers of mats and a nunchucks exhibition.

In fact, the displays of strength and skill were so infectious, five parents from the audience decided to try their hand—or foot—at board breaking and chin-ups as well.

The break-a-thon was such a huge success because students and guests were inspired by Rodriguez to be generous in helping the Red Cross to assist those in the community in need.

"The event was great, everybody had fun, we got to help the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross and our students learned to help the community," said Rodriguez.

Prince William Red Cross Public Support Director Deborah Campbell attended the event and shared information with the students and guests about the work of the organization in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. She told how their donations support programs and services such as disaster relief, health and safety training, services to Armed Forces, youth volunteer programs and emergency preparedness education.

Other Hero campaign activities include the Manassas Park firefighters' "fill the boot drive" and Mayor Earnest Porta and the Town of Occoquan's pie throwing contest at the Harvest Parade and Fun Festival in Occoquan on Saturday.

For more information on the Heroes fundraiser or to make a donation, go to http://www.pwarch.org or call 368-4511, ext. 227.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.