Black Belt candidates raises over $800 for Home for our Troops

The Black Belt Training Cycle Class of Spring 2018 at Personal Best Karate in Easton raised over $800 for Homes For Our Troops, an organization which builds and adapts mortgage-free homes for severely injured post 9/11 veterans.

Every spring, Training Cycle candidates choose a charity to fundraise for and give back to the community. “The fundraiser the class participated in was Stairs 4 R Troops,” said Eileen Rappold of Personal Best Karate. “The students walked, jogged or ran the stairs at Gillette Stadium.”

The group of students were in their 16-week Training Cycle for their degreed Black Belts, which they earned at the end of June. Students graduated to First, Second and Third Degree Black Belt after testing. Going through the class together united them as they chose their charity to fundraise for.

The Massachusetts chapter of Stairs 4 R Troops started about four years ago with participants running the stairs at Harvard Stadium, but quickly outgrew the venue. Funds raised goes to Homes For Our Troops, a national organization helping veterans. Most of the veterans helped have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury. These dollars help the veterans focus on rebuilding their lives and create independence rather than worry about maintaining a residence.

“We’re so proud of these students and the initiative they took to help others,” said Rappold.

More information about these charities can be found at www.stairs4Rtroops.com and www.hfotua.com. Personal Best Karate is located at 594 Washington St., South Easton on Route 138. They currently have ongoing openings in their summer special program and can be contacted at 508.238.8333.