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On Saturday, May 18, 2013, a premier event took place to celebrate the Kickin It Kids Center headquartered in Monmouth County .
The day started with a free community event at Freeholds hip Park 33, in which several of Kickin’ Its sponsors and companies gave out free samples of their products, children and families enjoyed games, a dunk tank, martial art demonstrations, a student hip hop show, face painting and had the rare opportunity of interacting with many of Kickin’ Its Celebrity Supporters and surprise guests.
A private Ribbon Cutting Ceremony followed during the new Kickin It Kids Anti Bullying, Leadership & Learning Center located at 3429 Route 9 North, Freehold.
The day-long festivities, arranged by John Bruzzese of Synergy Event Planners, proceeded with an evening event exclusively for sponsors, business and celebrity supporters held at the Bella Vista Country Club in Marlboro, with an elaborate spread personally hosted by owner Anthony Beshara who he himself catered to every one of the guests for the whole four hour duration of the after party.
The visionary behind the Center is Gina Marie Raimondo. When she speaks about the Center, her passion clearly comes to life. Her message is simple, “Our kids need a place to feel validated and safe.” The Kickin It Kids Anti Bullying Center offers programs for children from early preschool age through college with a core character education curriculum, Summer Camps, Child Enrichment, After School and Positive Outlet Programs featuring Martial Arts, Yoga, Music, Recreational Sports, Peer Leadership and Mentoring.
These programs are made to build character and respectful social behaviors. It is Gina Marie’s hope that this can help not just the child that is being bullied, but also the child that is doing the bullying, to “redirect negative stresses, feelings and emotions fostering into positive energy and respectful social behaviors.” All programs are made to inspire and empower every single child to stand up for themselves as well as others.
Master Alan Goldberg, Director of Business Development of the Center has been practicing Martial Arts for 50 years. He believes, “the programs offered will allow kids to concentrate on what they can accomplish in life.” Former UFC Contender Phillipe Nover, a professional Mixed Martial Artist and long time Kickin’ It supporter shares his story with kids along with the simple message that, “Bullying is not cool.”
Miss NJ Teen USA 2010 Erica Szymanski, a key Kickin’ It Spokesperson for four years, makes public appearances sharing her story of being bullied. “Hearing the experiences from individuals who have been through it builds trust. I am just thrilled to share with the students what Kickin’ It provides for them, I am just so proud to be a part of this effective organization,” said Szymanski.
Performing during the evening event, was former Star Search sensation Courtney Zahn and also the Reverse Order, all who used their music as an outlet for bullying, sharing their passion of music to help inspire other kids to overcome the results of bullying through music.
“Having Celebrity Supporters opens the door to get the message across to kids.” States a notable Kickin’ It Supporter Nick Lembo, NJ State Athletic Control Board Counsel “When kids are bullied they tend to withdraw and not participate. They’ll listen to a famous face and hear the message more clearly,” said Lembo.
Kickin’ It Advisory Board Director Rocky Marciano Jr., son of the late Heavyweight Champion, became involved with Kickin’ It because he wanted to “do something to end kids from hurting others or themselves as a result of bullying. This Center will likely not only be a resource and education center for children at a (young) crucial age, this will result in ultimately changing the school climate and culture, that is our organizations core focus,” Marciano.
Many of Kickin’ Its long-time celebrity supporters were in attendance including children’s author Alysia Stern along with her associate Cris Melendez who co-host The Rendezvous Radio Show and Madhouse TV, ‘Merciless’ Ray Mercer former Olympic Gold Medalist and WBO Heavyweight title holder, Wrestlers Zach Gowen and Greg Iron.
Also on hand were Hollywood Actor Josh Flitter, Movie and TV Actor Jose Hernandez Jr formerly on the hit HBO series “Oz”, Veteran Broadcaster Mike Straka of Fuse TV, David Toma renowned former Newark Police Detective, having two TV shows based upon his life “Baretta” and “Toma”, were all on hand to lend their support along with another legend musician Joe Venneri of the Tokens along with the young Kickin’ It supporters rising actor Armani del Rio and teen spokesperson entertainment reporter Chelsea Linder.
Another notable attendee that is in full support of Kickin’ It, Dr. Sheryl Wulkan the lead MMA/Muay Thai physician for the NJ State Athletic Control Board, recently selected as the Ringside Physician of the Year by the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians and also the Chair for the Association of Boxing Commissions Combat Sports Medical Committee.
Kickin’ It is a national 501c3 nonprofit which provides schools support, tips, lesson plans and projects that help keep the anti bullying message present throughout the school year. Kickin’ It offers conferences and workshops that allow educators of all of the grade levels to satisfy the requirements of the NJ state anti bullying laws, along with providing free community resources.
A few of Kickin’ Its major sponsors include: The WBC (World Boxing Council), Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher, Action Martial Arts, child plush toy giant Kids Preferred, The Double Tree Hilton of Newark, Hotels Unlimited Inc, Northeast Oil of Manalapan, Cabanaman Pools of Colts Neck, A&G Flooring, Manny’s Custom Carpentry, Everything Natural Too, Hands On Salon, Heart Juice, Freehold Networking for Success, Confections of a Rock$tar, Liberty Lawn Care, Investors Bank of Freehold, the Home Depot and Lowes of Howell and others whose continuous support has been a tremendous benefit to the Kickin’ It Center.
This event was the very first of many as Kickin’ It is trying to increase the funds for school buses, a playground, a basketball court, an organic garden and also the ultimate goal of purchasing the Freehold property so Kickin’ Its doors can remain open for generations to come. To get more information on the Kickin’ It Center or even become a supporter please contact office@werekickinit.org 732-409-1132 http://www.werekickinit.org/
