Since its beginning, Shotokan Karate International (S.K.I.)
Dojo of Merced, California has been actively involved in
support of the local community, especially for the cause of
youth. Fundraisers for a variety of concerns are not uncommon
at S.K.I., and they usually involve karate demonstrations
(performances) for the
public, followed by the sale of food and other goodies donated
by local businesses.
In keeping with its heart for children, S.K.I. karate dojo has
raised over $5,000 since 2003 for St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer, Danny
Thomas, and treats about 160 patients every day on an
out-patient basis. The hospital also maintains approximately
56 inpatient beds. Since it first opened in 1962, St. Jude
has treated over 20,000 children from across the United States
and more than 60 foreign countries, and has developed medical
protocols that have improved survival rates for childhood
cancers from less than 20 percent to over 70 percent overall.
Most of the hospital's operating costs are paid for by public
contributions. St. Jude is a nonsectarian organization with
more than 4,000 patients currently in active status. Children
are provided treatment without regard to race, religion,
creed, or inability to pay. Nearly 86 percent of every dollar
received by St. Jude goes to the current or future needs of
the hospital. St.Jude Children's Research Hospital depends on
government and local community support fund raisers.
Certificates of Recognition and Appreciation for S.K.I. Karate Dojo
from the California State Senate and Assembly, the Mayor of
the City of
Merced, and the United States House of Representatives,
Congressman and US President's Clinton and Bush reflect
Sensei Barboza's "extreme" dedication to the
plight of children with cancer and other illnesses, as well as
the wellbeing of youth in our own local community. If you
would like to help children with childhood cancer or other
diseases on a local level, or for those at
St. Jude's, please contact the S.K.I. karate Dojo of Merced to
find out how you can contribute; whether by the donation of
your time, skills, food, gifts, or money.
Sensei Barboza may
be contacted by e-mail at
amiltonbarboza@sbcglobal.net
or by phone at 209-777-1201, or visiting the dojo at 2400
Martin Luther King Jr. Way Street, Merced, CA.
You
may also contact the St. Jude website.
