Chuck Norris (center) with children of Kickstart Kids
This is the entrance to Chuck Norris Ranch in Navasota Texas. Would you like to hunt for trophy exotics at action star Chuck Norris’ beautiful 1,000-acre Texas ranch? Or become the proud owner of a Chuck Norris tribute pistol? How about two tickets to.
Would you like to hunt for trophy exotics at action star Chuck Norris’ beautiful 1,000-acre Texas ranch?
Or become the proud owner of a Chuck Norris tribute pistol?
How about two tickets to Super Bowl 51 in Houston?
All of those fabulous prizes and more will be auctioned off when Chuck and Gena Norris host their 23rd annual Kickstart Kids Gala on May 13 at the Hilton Americas in Houston from 7-10 p.m. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his wife, Jan Patrick, are their honorary co-chairs, and special guests include Lt. Col. Allen West and his wife, Angela Graham-West.
The Norrises are dedicated to giving middle-school children the tools and support necessary to build self-esteem, resolve conflicts, avoid bullying or participating in gangs, choose a drug-free lifestyle, resist negative peer pressure and remain in school until they graduate.
They make it all happen through their Kickstart Kids Foundation, and students in the program achieve a higher level of success and become more productive members of their communities.
Chuck Norris told WND the mission of Kickstart Kids is close to his and his wife’s heart.
“Kickstart Kids is our life’s mission, next to our family, and a way for us to give back,” he said. “In short, Kickstart Kids teaches character through karate. We work with at-risk kids in the public school system.”
Norris roundhouse kick
He continued, “We give them a Kickstart, which means we help build strong moral character in our youth through the martial arts.”
The Norrises founded Kickstart Kids, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, with the help of former President George H.W. Bush, who encouraged the martial arts star to start it in Houston.
“We implemented the program in a single public school, teaching the martial arts to 150 at-risk students,” he told WND. “Over the past 23 years, Kickstart Kids has expanded to 52 schools across Texas and has over 8,000 students in the program.”
The organization is recognized by the Texas Education Agency, allowing Texas independent school districts to award up to two physical education credits to students who participate.
Kickstart Kids is largely funded by individual and corporate sponsors.
“Great Americans across Texas and our country who believe we need to help the younger generations are among our core supporters,” Chuck Norris said. “We are very grateful for each and every one of them.”
Some of those sponsors include the Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Total Gym, Frank’s International, Mosing Properties, the Bill & Sherry Berry Foundation, Interstate Batteries, Show Biz Cinemas, Kenny and Lisa Troutt, John P. McGovern Foundation, Boone & Toni Pickens and Drayton & Elizabeth McLane.
Watch a video highlighting the life-changing work of Kickstart Kids:
Gena told WND, “We need partners at all levels. We need them from the community level to corporate donors to make this happen. We would love to see WND readers join us, too! Every dollar helps and adds up quickly.”
As for the upcoming gala, tickets start at $375 per person, and the funds raised go directly to the operation of the foundation. Sponsored tables are available, and interested parties may contact Andre Dowd at (832) 925-8252. More information is available at the Kickstart Kids website.
“The gala is a fun, multi-faceted special annual event that Gena and I host to thank loyal donors and meet some new potential supporters,” Chuck Norris said. “It is also a great opportunity for people to get updates and learn about the work of Kickstart Kids.”
Gena added, “The gala also highlights a special Kickstart Kids martial arts demo featuring students and instructors and includes a student testimonial on how the program has impacted their life.”
The Norrises said they love helping to make a difference in the lives of younger generations.
“There’s nothing better than Kickstart Kids as a way of giving back,” Chuck Norris said. “The youth today face so many obstacles, and if we don’t help them, then who will?”
The star of “Walker: Texas Ranger” and some of the biggest action pictures ever, Norris has also reached a new generation as part of the Internet craze for one-liners usually labeled not as jokes but as “facts.” In “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” Norris gives readers not only his favorite “facts,” roundhouse-kicked by the man himself, but also the stories behind the facts and the code by which he lives his life.