Community Corner
HHA Karate for Kids Donates to American Diabetes
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Hoboken Housing Authority Karate for Kids program paid a special visit to the Boys and Girls Club on Jefferson Street. Sensei Ray Rodriguez's students demonstrated their forms and techniques, a variety of take-downs and weapons. Rodriguez’s instructor, Grand Master Nathan Ingram, also performed.
Rodriguez later presented a $3,000 donation to Brooke Hartrum, manager of fundraising and special events for the American Diabetes Association, on behalf of Karate for Kids. The donation was collected through the fundraising efforts of the public housing students and their parents.
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Rodriguez's daughter, Hope, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 6 and passed away seven years later. The sensei and Hartrum both spoke about the importance of proper nutrition and taking care of one's body, and the young martial artists agreed that they would like to make an additional donation to diabetes research next year.
Rodriguez also presented an award to Carmelo Garcia, executive director of the Hoboken Housing Authority, for his unwavering support of community programs such as Karate for Kids.
