Kicking for Causes is a non-profit public charity fundraising and advocacy campaign program designed to engage community members, families and children in leadership development, creative fundraising and martial arts training to further the growth and sustainability of local institutions including those dedicated to education, youth athletics, community development, medical research and more. Over the past 4 years, Kicking for Causes has helped raise over $130,000 for charitable causes.
This year for the 2018 Kicking for Causes fundraising event at Rocky Silva’s American Karate, we will be partnering with Bradley Hospital and their Arts Therapy Programs. When Bradley Hospital opened its doors in 1931, it became the first psychiatric hospital in the United States exclusively for children. Today, it remains the only hospital of its kind in the region. Bradley Hospital is an acute care hospital offering inpatient, outpatient, partial, residential, home-based and special education services to more than 5,000 patients each year. They are a critical resource for families throughout southern New England and even around the world.
Bradley Hospital’s Art Therapy Department and its Healing Arts Program currently serve approximately 2,650 patients each year who struggle with complex mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and developmental disabilities that coexist with psychiatric or behavioral problems. Program evaluations have shown that the arts contribute significantly to the wellness of our children, many of whom suffer from trauma and abuse and have never experienced the gentle nurturing of the arts. Bradley Hospital’s art therapists are skilled mental health professionals trained in the creative arts, psychology and counseling and provide one-on-one and group treatment. In addition, they direct the Healing Arts Program, bringing together a variety of outside therapeutic art to Bradley’s complex population.
This year we are excited to introduce our “Breakthroughs for Bradley: Martial Arts to Support the Healing Arts” board breaking fundraiser which will be held at Rocky Silva’s American Karate on Saturday June 23rd 2018. Thousands of boards will be available for a recommended minimum donation of $10 per board. Sponsor a board in support of Bradley Hospital, the Healing Arts, Mental Health, RSAK, family members, friends or simply to rally behind an important philanthropic opportunity. Boards may be decorated and commemorated the day of the event at RSAK in honor of those who have donated. When you arrive on June 23rd, the instructors of Rocky Silva’s American Karate will assist students and families in their breaking of these honorary boards. The day will also include other exciting activities including music, food, games, educational classes, raffle prizes for kids and adults, face painting and much, much more. Together we can raise funds for a great cause, all while having fun and making some breakthroughs! This year’s goal is to raise more than $30,000. All donation forms can be downloaded at: KickingforCauses.org/Resources
