On June 24, 2010, Impact Jiu Jitsu sent out an email request to its members, staff, and friends. The request was simple: “Help us save lives from cancer.”
A daunting task, but that email rang out like the starting bell in an MMA fight. Impact Jiu Jitsu proceeded to pull together its team and began raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Beaverton. With only 30-days until the Relay, Impact set an ambitious (some might say unrealistic) fundraising goal of $4,000.
To motivate this competitive group, Impact Jiu Jitsu challenged Portland’s New Breed Jiu Jitsu to a friendly competition to see which team could raise the most money. New Breed did not hesitate to accept, formed its own team, and began raising funds. The friendly banter that followed only sparked the effort on both sides.
Impact Jiu Jitsu, normally packed on a Saturday mornings, moved shop to Valley Catholic High School on Saturday, July 24. The team arrived at Relay for Life early in the morning, ready to make the track their home for the next 24-hours. Impact’s friends and family who have survived cancer came out and celebrated, walked the track, and enjoyed the sunshine while the team fulfilled it’s goal. Members walked, ran, and yes, even grappled, while keeping an Impact team member on the track for the full 24-hours.
When Sunday morning came and the 30-days of fundraising was totaled, Impact Jiu Jitsu surprised everyone. Organizers announced that out of the 58 teams (many of which began fundraising a year in advance), Impact Jiu Jitsu came in with a top-five fundraising finish. Team Impact Jiu Jitsu not only met its $4,000 goal, it surpassed it with a total raised of $5,511. Team New Breed Jiu Jitsu brought in an additional $1,588. Relay for Life of Beaverton raised more than $125,000 for the American Cancer Society with this year’s event, and fundraising continues through the month of August!
Impact Jiu Jitsu owner Michael Chapman couldn’t be more proud of his team: “Everyone came together and gave it their all. Those who joined the fundraising team took the challenge to their family, friends, and co-workers and made a huge difference. I want to thank everyone who donated and came out to show their support, as well as the volunteers that put on the event. They all made Relay an amazing experience.”
Impact Jiu Jitsu challenges others to help save lives from cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society and it’s fundraising efforts. To learn more visit cancer.org. Together we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.