Support Thousand Waves' Scholarship, Adapted Seido Karate, and Empowerment Self-Defense programs!

Hello and welcome to my fundraising page!

In case you're new here: Thousand Waves is a martial arts and empowerment self defense school that I have been involved with since I was eight years old. When I was growing up, I would regularly spend anywhere from four to seven days a week at the dojo. It's where I learned to speak up, try hard things, and get back up again after falling down. It's also where I met many dear friends, had my first job, and learned how to punch and kick. There's no version of me that exists without this wonderful place.

In case you're not new here: THANK YOU! So many of my loved ones donate year after year. You have kept this organization running and I am immeasurably grateful for your contributions. I wish I didn't have to ask you for money every year, but I am so touched that you all say yes again and again.

So why should you donate to Thousand Waves? Great question. Thousand Waves is a 501(c)3 non profit that does a lot of great stuff that does not pay the bills:

• Empowerment Self-Defense programming across the Chicagoland area. This critical Violence Prevention work is provided at extremely low cost (or free) so that all communities can benefit. Empowerment Self Defense provides safety skills across the spectrum of violence, from harassment and abuse (like being assertive and setting clear boundaries) to physical violence (like protecting yourself from someone who is much bigger than you). Thousand Waves has been pioneering this important practice since the 1980s, working to provide protection from gender and sexual based violence. In the past five years, more than 1200 people have participated across 130+ sessions.
• Adapted Seido Karate (ASK), in partnership with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, provides karate practice for children with disabilities free of charge. This program ensures students have the support and personalized instruction they need to be successful. More than 50 students have been in this program recently, many of whom have progressed to advanced ranks.
• Thousand Waves Scholarship Program allows anyone to participate in karate classes or Violence Prevention workshops regardless of ability to afford it. Currently, about 15% of Thousand Waves members are on scholarship and the fund has distributed more than $200,000 since 2019.

If you'd rather not use a credit card, feel free to use Venmo (@Aaron-Alberg) or Chime (@AaronAlberg) and I'll submit your donation on your behalf.