About Us
Since the early 1990's we have been administering a scholarship for kids who have financial need, have overcome some personal hurtle, and have tried very hard for their grades (regardless of the actual grades). The object has always been to give something back to the community and to recognize a kid that probably never has and may never again be recognized for anything. A few years ago the name of the scholarship changed to "Pride Lasts" because it captures our mission.
Our founders and staff is very passionate about this project and truly think that we can make this into a beneficial national program. To many kids are lost in the shuffle or subjected to various kinds of under the radar abuse that inhibits their ability to achieve greatness. The government and the public schools are failing our kids more so then at any point in this countries history. More funding for them won't solve the problem it has to come from the private sector. Did you know that in Detroit, Cincinnati and Baltimore only 25% of the kids will graduate from High School?! How sad is that?! If we can combat that in even a small way we will be a success.
So what will you be supporting? Your support helps fund the Pride Lasts Foundation scholarship award. Pride Lasts provides a scholarship to students who are financially and socially challenged, kids who otherwise may never get any recognition. The recipients do not have to practice the Martial Arts. This scholarship has been well received by the community and with your help we hope to expand the number of schools we can offer this scholarship through.
With every dollar we receive we are that much closer to support yet another deserving student. Currently every dollar raised goes to support a deserving child. Our goal is to double the number of students we support each year. We can only do that with your help. And with your help we will expand our program geographically. The future is not in the hands of our children, it is in our hands as we are responsible for making them the accomplished leaders of tomorrow. So let's all do our part and give another child the desire to succeed.
Our History
The Pride Lasts Foundation found its beginning in the late 1980's when the members of the Willington Karate Club voted to begin funding a $50.00 Academic Achievement Award for the local Elementary Eigth Grade graduating class. Since it was established in 1973 by George W. Saba, the Willington Karate Club was active in the community purchasing gym equipment for the school, taking in troubled youth offering outreach programs and keeping the school safe and secure. Over the years some of these contributions were no longer necessary as government funding was slowly replacing the need for private contributors. Still wanting to be involved and give something back to the community, George W. Saba suggested the Academic Achievement Award to the membership, which they adopted. The Academic Achievement Award embodied the teachings of the Martial Arts as taught by George W. Saba. In 2004 the club decided that we could do more with the award program and there was a vote to expand the program. With the expansion the club membership felt that a name change that embodied what we were trying to do was appropriate. A friend of Mitchell Saba's suggested the name Pride Lasts as it embodies all the ideals of the scholarship and the martila arts. Everyone loved the name and here we are!