Master Khechen raises funds for hospital, celebrates giving
by JILL SCHMELZER Ken-Ton Editor

Master Khechen Tae Kwon-Do's third annual Kick for Life event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center at Erie Community College, 21 Oak St., Buffalo.

Chairperson Michele-Elise Burnett-Reich said part of martial arts training is giving back to others. All proceeds from Kick for Life will be donated to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

The event is free, but money will be raised for the institution through basket raffles, board-breaking contests and photo opportunities with local celebrities, such as the Buffalo Jills and McGruff the Crime Dog.

Students of Master Khechen's will perform martial arts demonstrations, including the breaking of 5,000 boards.

A special performance will be given by Master Khechen's C.O.R.E. team, which will entertain the audience with a choreographed production of young athletes skilled in martial arts weapons and forms, accompanied by music, as well as dramatized self-defense skits, Burnett-Reich said.

A special two-week class promotion will be offered at the Tae Kwon-Do school with a donation of $20 to the hospital. Participants will also receive a T-shirt and fitness evaluation.

"It's a fun day," Burnett-Reich said. "Everything we do is going back to Children's Hospital."

Sponsorship packages are available ranging from black belts at $2,000 and more, red belts at $1,000, green belts at $500 and white belts at $250.

Depending on the sponsorship package, participants will receive a variety of items.

For information, visit http://www.masterkhechen.com.