Briarcliff Kickathon Kids Raise $24,000

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. – The 1,000 kicks performed by Briarcliff Manor martial arts students helped bring in more than $24,000 Saturday to fight leukemia.

Dozens of students from around Westchester participated in the Kickathon at Brookside Elementary School in Ossining. More than 75 students from Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Fishkill and Carmel helped raise $12,000 Saturday, said Chris Berlow, United Martial Arts Center Briarcliff master instructor. But an anonymous donor matched the amount raised, Berlow said, which will go toward The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“This is unbelievable,” Berlow said after the event. “It far exceeded my expecations.”

The Kickathon paid tribute to two boys – Quinn and Jake. The two, whose last names have been withheld at the request of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, have both been diagnosed with leukemia.

Quinn is a 6-year-old boy who takes tae kwon do classes at UMAC in Briarcliff.

For many who know the two kids, “the event was very close to home,” Berlow said.

“Having two students fighting leukemia as we speak allowed everyone to really appreciate their health and their ability to help others,” he said. “It was very meaningful.”

Berlow said he has no doubts that the event will be back next year.

“Absolutely, we are going to host it as an annual event and will be looking to make it better than this year,” he said. “I am very proud of all my students and staff. So many people stepped up to help and every aspect of the event exceeded all expectations. (I’m) very grateful.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, based in White Plains, is “the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services,” according to the organization’s website. 

Those looking to find out how to get involved are asked to contact Berlow at 914-945-7100 or masterberlow@optonline.net. 

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