SumoKids Foundation Receives 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Status
Children's program begins fundraising after being certified by the Federal Government and New York State as a tax exempt foundation.
Buffalo, New York, January 10, 2006 - The SumoKids Foundation received tax exempt status certification as a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. The SumoKids Foundation has started actively raising funds to expand its operations in the Western New York area.
"We have operated with volunteer and pro bono services for two years," said Charles Bray, president of the SumoKids Foundation. "Now we seek corporate and individual donations to help us purchase more equipment and hire coaches so that we can offer more programs to more children."
SumoKids provides free-of-charge after school activities to children in Buffalo area schools. The SumoKids Foundation conducted a pilot program at the Highgate Heights Elementary School in Buffalo during the 2004-2005 school year. The Foundation will begin new programs in January at the following Buffalo schools; Harriet Ross Tubman School #31, and Highgate Heights School #80. The Foundation is also producing at program at St. Mary's School for the Deaf. The Foundation has programs underway at the J.F.K Community Center, the Langley Community Center, and the Hennepin Community Center, all in Buffalo, New York.
SumoKids after school activities are educational sports festivals. The program weaves the traditional arts of Sumo Wrestling with elements of contemporary youth culture into an exciting youth adventure.
Children and schools can participate free-of-charge. All children between 6 and 14 can participate, including disabled children. In the SumoKids program, children make friends, recognize artistic skills, and learn the value of hard work.
Children who participate in SumoKids Foundation programs also learn to:
- Control emotions and actions
- Show honor and respect
- Show courtesy and dignity
- Harness impatience
The SumoKids Foundation seeks corporate sponsors to help cover the costs of the program. The Foundation's Federal Tax Exemption Number is 20-2125615. The Foundation holds Public Charity Status: 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi).
For more information about sponsoring events or contributing, contact Paul McAfee at 716 568-0329.
About the SumoKids Foundation
The SumoKids Foundation is dedicated to helping young people develop valuable coping skills needed in a difficult and ever more complicated world. The SumoKids School Program © is an innovative initiative designed to teach young people a positive perspective by mixing the tenets of Sumo Wrestling with art and entertainment to help foster personal growth and achievement. This mix will result in a fulfilling and captivating experience that our young people have responded to with loyal and eager enthusiasm.
The SumoKids after school Program is available to help young people cope with their environments. SumoKids provides important values to the children. SumoKids uses current education techniques to foster individual personal growth.
Buffalo Public School and Buffalo City Youth Bureau SumoKids Program Contacts:
Harriet Ross Tubman School #31212 Stanton Street
Buffalo N.Y. 14212
Contact: Ms. Fatima Morrell, Principal
(716) 816.3780
Highgate Heights School #80
600 Highgate Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y. 14215
Contact: Josie Krajnik
(716) 816.4050
Other Schools
St. Mary's School for the Deaf2253 Main Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
Contact: Sean
(716) 834.7200
City of Buffalo Youth Bureau
J.F.K. Community Center114 Hickory Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
14205
Contact: Erika Browning
Mike Daniels
(716) 853.2555
Langley Community Center
150 Fulton Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
Contact: James Harrington
Jeff Liebner
(716) 852.2859
Hennepin Community Center
24 Ludington Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
Contact: Steve Rodgers
John Fracos
(716) 896.2083
eXubrio, LLC, provides pro bono public relations and development support for the SumoKids Foundation. Visit www.exubrio.com, or call Paul McAfee at 716 568-0329.
