I talked to Jason who helped organize and participated in the Fall-A-thon to see what the outcome of the day's event was. Here's my summarized recap:
Turns out they don't have a final count on the $$$ because they are still waiting for some folks, but the preliminary count is over $15k so congrats to them...the two year total is somewhere around $30k plus so they are well on their way to establishing that Zen retreat and temple.
The most falls for the day was 304 and Jason himself did around 242 although he was disappointed by that...(some people are never satisfied eh). ;-D
The person who raised the most money singularly was over the $3k mark! Wow!
I've got a boatload of video and hope to get more of that up here for you soon!
I'm copying here the official letter sent from Shinjinkai, which explains in detail the event's success:
> Dear Shinjinkai Members,> > I'm happy to report on the results of this past> Saturday's "Fall-a-thon", the fundraising event> sponsored here by Shinjinkai to benefit the Korinji Foundation (www.korinji.org).> > During the Fall-a-thon, 20 Shinjinkai members took as> many Aikido falls as they were able in 15 minutes. It> was certainly a high-energy and exciting event to> watch, and was covered by local Chicago media including TimeOut Chicago magazine.> > As of today, the total funds raised by Shinjinkai's> 2007 Fall-a-thon for Korinji totals $15,365.00! This includes pledges locked in by the fallers, as well as last minute or anonymous donations. In addition, there are still several Shinjinkai members who were not able to be present for the Fall-a-thon and are therefore doing a "make-up" fall session. The final total, therefore, should be even higher.> > I don't really have words to express my gratitude adequately. This event amazes me each year. All I can say is that you all certainly showed the kind of spirit and effort that we've come to expect from Shinjinkai members. When Korinji temple is built, we will all have the satisfaction of knowing that Shinjinkai was instrumental in making it happen.> > Deepest thanks to our participants, uke and nage, and to the staff and supporters who made the Fall-a-thon such a success. > > Sincerely,> Meido Moore>
darlene 