Help Rebuild JC Taekwondo After Fire

Co-organized

Susan Raihofer and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Felix Claudio.

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Dear Jersey City Community,

Downtown Jersey City is deeply saddened by an electrical fire that swept through our beloved JC Taekwondo Academy on June 15, 2024. Fortunately, with the swift actions of Master Chiang, Instructor Stephens and Ms. Imen, the students were safely evacuated and thankfully there were no injuries.The fire destroyed the entire back of the school, damaging electrical and plumbing, all of which needs to be completely restored (including locker rooms, storage and equipment rooms, administrative offices) and the water damage was extensive. The fire caused over $50,000 of out-of-pocket damages.

The studio rallied together with students and volunteers to re-open the front room and resume classes on June 20, 2024. The first day back was overwhelmingly positive and classes have been well attended, but the areas beyond the front room are still in disrepair. We have much to rebuild.

The impact of JCTKD extends far beyond fitness and martial arts. It's a place where friendships are forged, lessons in resilience are taught, and dreams are encouraged. The five tenets of taekwondo–courtesy, integrity, perseverance, indomitable spirit and self-control–are instilled in the school’s members and form a philosophy that students carry with them forever.

Master Claudio and the JC Taekwondo team have provided a nurturing family environment that is cherished by a generation of students, and we’d love to give back. Please join us in this effort to rebuild JC Taekwondo. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping to restore this vital part of Jersey City. Contributions will go directly towards repairing the school, and the funds will be hosted in a bank account that will be transparent to all donors. If we exceed our fundraising goals, the dojang will use the funds to supplement our scholarship programs and give back to our community. (**And with any donation, please join us for a free introductory class. Links to sign up are below.)

About JCTKD: Founded by Grand Master Felix Claudio in 1992, JC Taekwondo is a cornerstone of our community that has shaped the lives of over 25,000 students. Master Claudio’s direct involvement in the City of Jersey City events, educational outreach programs with satellite locations throughout Jersey City (at PS 16, PS 37, PS 5, PS 3, PS 9, Hamilton Montessori, Stevens Co-op, Waldo Academy, the French Academy, LCCS, the Brunswick School, OLC, St. Michael’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Nick’s, and St. Elizabeth), has reached tens of thousands of Jersey City residents over the years. Master Claudio’s roots are here: he grew up in Jersey City, attended St. Michael’s, Hudson Catholic H.S. and St. Peter’s University. Master Claudio has valued bringing all the lessons he learned growing up in Jersey City to new students and has been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching.

We thank our caring community for their love, support and generosity during this challenging time. We’re going to come back stronger than ever!

With gratitude,

The JC Taekwondo Fundraising Team

www.jctkd.com

**Free Little Dragons try out class: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_u0I&c=&ocu=

**Free Kids try out class: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_y0I&c=&ocu=

**Free Teen try out class: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_00I&c=&ocu=

**Free Adult try out class: https://sparkpages.io/cart/2/?i=_50I&c=&ocu=