Some were shy, some weren’t, but they were all proud as they chopped through planks with all their might and in the process raised more than $5,000 for Crooked Leg Ranch.
Saturday afternoon, 80 students from Bob Deane’s Black Belt Academy, chopped five planks of wood each.
Sometimes one, sometimes two or even three planks were broken at a time, with either hands or feet.
Younger students kept it simple, older students used advanced techniques as family and shoppers at the West Park Mall watched in appreciation.
The top fundraiser was Carter Barbosa.
Barbosa, a red belt student, raised $360, Deane said.
Rebecca Althammer, 8, also a red belt, was a close second with $320 raised.
The students raised the money by collecting sponsorships for each board they broke.
Each student was given five boards.
Master teacher Deane explained the fundraiser is a regular event for his students.
Every two years students at the Black Belt Academy are asked to choose a recipient for the money they raise.
This year they chose Crooked Leg Ranch.
“It was a popular choice,” Deane said.
Adding to the popularity of the selection, Crooked Leg Ranch is expecting a litter of puppies very soon.
The puppies, however many in the litter, will be given to the top fundraising students.
Although the puppies are a great motivator for the Taekwondo students, Deane said there are other reasons he asks students to raise funds every two years.
“It gives them a sense of accomplishment,” Dean explained.
“It also teaches them to be compassionate.
“It also teaches the importance of giving back to the community.”
If you would like to help, visit www.crookedlegranch.com or call 250-992-2266.
