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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 16, 2008 - 23 Kicking hearts and soles out O n Saturday, April 26, 2008, the YMCA of Oakville was buzzing with excitement; it was the third annual YMCA Kickathon, held by the students of the Oakville Taekwondo Program, led by Master Tino and Jamie Dossantos. Over 100 students were kicking, punching and screaming in the gymnasium at the Peter Gilgan Family Y to raise money for the YMCA of Oakville's Strong Kids Campaign. By 3 p.m., 90,000 kicks and punches had been thrown and $8,000 was raised to help kids be the best they can be. The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign raises funds to ensure that no one is denied access to YMCA of Oakville programs and services like child care, summer camp and facility membership. The kickathon also showcased the Oakville Taekwondo Demonstration Team, which consists of youth and adult members of the Y program. The demo team wowed the audience with its exciting demonstrations; kept the crowd cheering with high level board breaks, entertaining street kids' scenarios and skillful performances. KICKING FOR A CAUSE: Sydney MacLaughlan gives it her all at the recent YMCA Taekwondo Kickathon. More than 500 children participated to raise funds for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER The Toronto High Performance group trained by Tino and Jamie Dossantos were also on hand to entertain the kickers and give their support for this great cause. Taekwondo leaders, Tino and Jamie, are excited that many families will benefit from this combined effort by the parents, the Y staff and most of all, these wonderful kickers that sweated their hearts and souls for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. For more information about how you can invest in the life of a child by donating to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, contact Deb Thomson at 905-845-5597, ext 317 or e-mail her at debth@oakville.ymca.ca. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville Panel of women talk about business Company of Women will host a Managing Growth Panel on Tuesday, May 20. The event will takes place at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd. The panel will include Debbie Gracie-Smith of Consulting and Referral Services; Julia Hanna of Julia's Ristorante; and, Terri Smith of AAT School. Betty Wood of Synergy Fractional Resourcing will act as moderator as the panelists discuss their businesses. Each will be sharing what has happened in the last three years, the challenges of growth and what's next on the horizon. The event is hosted by Company of Women, an organization that supports, connects and promotes women in business. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with an opportunity for networking, and the dinner and panel will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. "It is wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate the successes of women in the group. It should be a fun and informative evening," said Anne Day, founder of Company of Women. The cost for the event is $55 plus GST and includes a three-course dinner as well as the panel presentation. Register online at www.companyofwomen.ca or call 905-338-1771 for more information.