April 19, 2024

Bitanga’s holds first Break-a-thon to benefit Meigs Senior Center

Beth Shaver of the Meigs County Senior Center is presented with the check from Bitanga’s Break-a-thon fundraiser. Submitted photo.

Martial Arts event raises over $10,000

Beth Shaver of the Meigs County Senior Center is presented with the check from Bitanga’s Break-a-thon fundraiser. Submitted photo.

MIDDLEPORT, Ohio – On Saturday, November 4, 2017 Bitanga’s Martial Arts Center hosted their very first “break-a-thon”. The “break-a-thon” was a fundraiser aimed to raise money for the Meigs County Senior Center. The total amount raised was $10,154.85.

The donations came from individuals as well as local businesses. This fundraiser did have a twist. For the individuals participating in the board breaking, the amount of donations they received went towards their total in an in-school competition. The student who raised the most money received a brand new katana as well as a first place trophy. Second place received a fifty dollar gift pro-shop certificate and third place received a twenty five dollar pro-shop gift certificate. Third, fourth, and fifth place all received a free meal donated by Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant in Mason, West Virginia. The placements included Garrett Smith with first place, Matthew Bell with second, Raeline Reeves with third place, Caden O’neil with fourth, and Billy Goble with fifth place.

Amongst the 44 participants, nearly 500 boards were broken. Beyond the board breaking, the break-a-thon had many more activities to participate in. A basket, donated by Fruth’s Pharmacy, was raffled off during the Break-a-thon. There were games for the children to play and prizes were given to the winners. A variety of food and drinks were prepared and sold by Janice Boyd and Sharon Coleman. Also, during intermission a cake walk was held. The event wouldn’t have been possible without all of the outstanding volunteers and the overwhelming support of people within the community.

Matthew Bell participating in the Break-a-thon. Bell took second place and raised $630 for the senior center. Submitted photo.
Raeline Reeves breaking boards and taking third place, raising $600 for the senior center. Submitted photo.