Equip/Auto Replacement After Theft
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DONATIONS NEEDED Blackstone's Karate is a donations-only outreach ministry. Robert Blackstone works with EVERYONE. Older folks with knee and back issues. Kids on the autism spectrum. Teens with anger issues. He doesn't turn anyone away, and he seeks out scholarships for people who want to train and can't afford it.
In order to operate as a donation-only ministry, Robert does not have a dojo or studio; he transports all class equipment to and from his home for every class. On Oct. 14, 2018, Robert's 1997 Chevy Suburban, with all of the equipment in it, was stolen from his driveway in east Memphis. The truck wasn’t worth much, probably about $3500, but it will need to be replaced. The equipment was valued at about $7300, but it was invaluable to the students for their learning experience, so replacements are needed as soon as possible. Mr. Blackstone did lose a few items that were one-of-a-kind gifts from former students that can never be replaced, so he is grieved over that. Please consider donating to help replace the things that can be replaced.
Equipment such as gymnastics mats, kicking shields, sparring equipment, and many other items are needed to share his knowledge of the martial arts with his students. Filing an insurance claim on the truck may be futile due to the age of the truck, and filing for insurance on the contents of the truck is prohibitive because of extenuating insurance issues. Mr. Blackstone, therefore, is left without a truck, without his equipment, and with little or no recourse for replacing his transportation and supplies. Would you please help replace these items so the karate classes can continue to enrich the students? Mr. Blackstone and the families who participate in the classes would be most appreciative! Thank you!