There are several ways to help KICKSTART. Funding is a major priority.

Fund-raisers are constantly occurring across the nation for our program in order to help us continue our expansion. See the information on Kick-A-Thons below for a great fundraising idea!

If you would like to see our program in your community, the funds should come from your school district, community businesses and/or leaders or fundraising efforts. Often, your school district will have grant writers who will know what funding is available for your particular state, city or district. There also may be individuals who may want to "adopt" a school and fund it entirely themselves (approximately $180,000 for three years for one school).

Kick-A-Thons:

Several people have asked: "What can my martial arts students do to help Mr. Norris and KICKSTART?" One thing that has been a success for a commercial studio is our Kick-A-Thons. We will help you sponsor this event by providing gifts, prizes and certificates to give to the students who participate. Several schools have raised funds for KICKSTART and helped to promote their school as a by-product. Kick-A-Thons can be fun and exciting not only for your students, but also for everyone that is involved.

How does a Kick-A-Thon work?

Kick-A-Thons not only help KICKSTART, but also your school.  We have seen schools increase their student enrollment as well as drawing attention to their community.  Kick-A-Thons are easy to set up. Just look at these 10 easy steps:

1. One of the first things is picking the right date for the event. Make sure the event is not in conflict with another event in your area.
    
2. Contact KICKSTART and fill out the Request to Sponsor a Fundraiser and fax it to the KICKSTART office in Houston, TX. Once KICKSTART approves the Kick-A-Thon we will send you a master pledge sheet so you can make copies.
    
3. Find local sponsors to help with food, drinks and prizes for the participants.
    
4. Order your prizes and have them in so all the students can see them. This will get your students excited about the Kick-A-Thon.
    
5. When you receive your master pledge sheet, make copies and send them out with the students to get their pledges. Explain to the students how the Kick-A-Thon works and tell them of all the prizes they can receive. Each student will be asked to obtain pledges on kicks they might be able to do in a set amount of time (Example: ten cents a kick for each kick done in 3 minutes) or ask for a set donation (Example: $5.00 total donation). Have the students turn in the money each week and give then a new pledge sheet if needed.
    
6. Make posters or fliers to pass out in your area. Invite local newspapers and other media to help promote the event.
    
7. The big day! The Kick-A-Thon. Run it just like a tournament, starting with the lower belt and finishing with the Black Belts. If you have a demo team, have them perform during the event.
    
8. After the event, when all the funds are collected, send KICKSTART your Kick-A-Thon Roster so that we can send your students their prizes. This usually takes a couple of weeks to gather all the prizes.
    
9. When you receive your prizes from KICKSTART, set up an awards ceremony to let your students know how grateful we are at KICKSTART.
    
10. Start working on the Kick-A-Thon for next year.

Kick-A-Thon Prizes

If you host a Kick-A-Thon to benefit KICKSTART, we will provide prizes to your students who participate. Below is a list of prizes that we will provide:

• Certificate of Participation – Each participant will receive a certificate for you to fill out to show the date, location and name of the Martial Arts Studio, and the number of kicks.

Prizes:

• Chuck Norris Trading Card – Each participant who raises $25.00 or more will receive a Chuck Norris KICKSTART trading card.
• Window Cling Decal – Each participant who raises $35.00 or more will receive a window cling decal, plus prize 1.
• KICKSTART Patch – Each participant who raises $50.00 or more will receive a patch they can wear on their uniform or put on a gear bag etc., plus prizes 1 & 2.

• KICKSTART T-shirt – Each participant who raises $100.00 or more will receive a KICKSTART t-shirt, plus prizes 1, 2 & 3.

• KICKSTART will also give the Top Fundraiser and the Top Kicker the following:

  • A KICKSTART Karate Kicker Plaque

Special Prizes

We suggest you add something to the prize list for your school. These items can be donated to your school from local businesses. Example:

• Posters for the students who raised the most money each week

• One school received movie passes and free dinner for four and gave them out to the top winners.

• One school gave out trophies to the top three kickers in each belt ranking.

• Give away a Heavy Weight Uniform.

• A complete set of Sparring Gear.

These are just a few examples of some of the prizes schools have given away. If you have a company who will donate prizes, please let us know and we will be happy to send them a letter of thanks.

If you would like to set up a Kick-A-Thon to benefit KICKSTART contact:

Connie Catalani
427 West 20th, Suite 203
Houston, TX 77008

Phone: 713-868-6003

Fax: 713-880-1279

Mail, email (ccatalani@kick-start.org) or fax your request to Connie Catalani.