Title
Proclamation commending Tae Kwon Do Grand Master Young Bo Kong on the success of his "Break-a-Thon" fundraising events.
Body
WHEREAS, over 40 years ago, Grand Master Young Bo Kong distinguished himself as a Tae Kwon Do Champion, holding the World Championship title from 1973-1976; and
WHEREAS, after emigrating to the United States in the late 1960s, Grand Master Kong, with the assistance of his brothers, introduced the still unfamiliar art of Tae Kwon Do to the masses, and in the mid-1970s, opened the Young Brothers Institute of Tae Kwon Do; and
WHEREAS, Grand Master Kong continues to teach students from all over the Pittsburgh region, with schools in Ross, Cranberry, and Robinson Townships, as well as Butler, Bellevue, Fox Chapel and Indiana; and
WHEREAS, in addition to teaching his students the art of Tae Kwon Do, Grand Master Kong teaches them to be assets to society. Since 2000, the Young Brothers Institute of Tae Kwon Do has organized a yearly “Break-a-Thon,” an event that raises funds for various charities and individuals. For every $50 they raise, the students receive the opportunity to break one board, held by Grand Master Kong; and
WHEREAS, past Break-a-Thons have raised $25,000 for the United Way, $25,000 for the National Autism Society, $37,000 for the UPMC Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, and an astonishing $45,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims. The most recent Break-a-Thon was held in honor of one of Grand Master Kong's 8-year-old students, who had become seriously ill and whose family needed assistance in paying substantial medial bills;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby join in honoring Grand Master Young Bo Kong of the Young Brothers Institute of Tae Kwon Do. This Council recognizes Grand Master Kong for his dedication to serving the community, and acting as an inspiration to this Council and the residents of Allegheny County.