Dear Reader and family,

I want to take a moment to share two fundraisers we currently have underway, as well as a volunteer opportunity with our nonprofit. These efforts reflect what we try to teach our students every day—giving back, helping others, and doing the right thing when we’re able.

Please know there’s no pressure to do everything. Any level of support, time, donations, or simply spreading the word is appreciated.

🌍 Fundraiser #1: Helping a Student from Africa Compete in the U.S.

We are raising money to help a youth student from Africa travel to the United States to compete at the World Tang Soo Do Association Championships.

Our goal is $5,000 by the end of March 2026. This amount helps cover:

• Airfare
• Hotel and lodging
• Meals
• Competition registration
• Other basic travel-related expenses

For this student, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would not be possible otherwise.

For transparency, the donation link is owned and managed by Michelle Viramontes, one of our Starworld grandparents, who has kindly volunteered her time to track and account for all donations.
​(Please note: Venmo donations are not tax-deductible.)

If you’d like to donate electronically, you may do so here:
​Venmo Link: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2217665678540800053&created=1767922510​

Please include “Africa Student Fund” in the memo.

We will also have a QR code flyer in the lobby, along with a donation box and envelopes at the front desk for those who prefer to donate cash.

🥋 Gear & Uniform Donations for Africa

We are also collecting:

• Sparring gear (youth and adult)
• Karate uniforms (youth and adult)

Not all African students are disadvantaged, but many are. One school owner I’ve personally met teaches for free at an orphanage, helping girls who don’t even have uniforms or sparring gear. He gives back by teaching Tang Soo Do to kids who could never afford training, using income from his full-time corporate job.

We also help adult students who are struggling. One man I met walks miles just to train and then miles back home. He loves Tang Soo Do but simply can’t afford sparring gear. These are the people your donations help.

You can drop off gear and uniforms at the front desk.

If you donate sparring gear, I encourage you to sign your name on it. It means more to the person receiving it than you might think.

🎭 Demo Team Fundraisers

Our Demo Team will also be starting their fundraisers campains soon:

• Bake Sale at the end of February
• Car Washes starting in March

Funds raised help cover things like:

• Facility rental fees
• Additional insurance required by some venues
• Transportation and event logistics
• City- or venue-required performance and participation fees
• Props and materials
• Equipment maintenance and replacement
• Recognition trophies
• Other necessary event-related expenses

This Demonstration Team is made up entirely of children and teenagers—and it’s not by accident, it’s by design. Through our SWAT program, leadership begins early, teaching students in their preteen and teen years how to lead, communicate clearly, and work effectively as a team.

As students grow, they typically earn their 1st through 3rd Level Black Belts before leaving for college, gaining not just rank, but real responsibility. Along the way, they step into meaningful leadership roles—guiding teammates, setting standards, and leading by example.

The result is something rare: students who don’t just leave for college with confidence, but with proven leadership experience already in place.

• Lead Captain: Caden Rose
• Co-Captains: Two dedicated 17-year-old leaders

We are very thankful for the parents who continue to support the demo team.

🤝 Volunteer Opportunity (Nonprofit)

Our anti-bullying nonprofit is also looking for volunteers to work concession registers at State Farm Stadium (Upper Club Level) during Cardinals games, concerts, and major events.

Volunteers:

• Get free access to games and events
• Work in a fun, energetic environment
• Get to be part of the excitement while helping a good cause

If you’re interested, please sign up here: https://starworld.kit.com/a258e426d8​

Thank you for being part of a school community that believes in building strong students and strong leaders. Whether you donate, volunteer, support fundraisers, or simply share our mission, your involvement makes a real difference and teaches lessons that extend far beyond the mat.

With sincere thanks,
​Master Williamson

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