Women Strike it Strong: A safety workshop for women, a benefit event

The inaugural “Strike It Strong” charity event on Jan. 21 was a big hit – literally – with 45 women learning self-defense while raising money for a women’s shelter, Center for Family Services. This fundraising workshop was empowering for our bodies and enlightening for our souls.

Summary from The Sun and KYW-1060.

Local business women Nancy Lipkin Sipera (First Impressions’ president) and Cheryl Squadrito (Media Friendly PR’s president) joined forces to create an event that will helped women to stay safe, feel empowered, and raise money for women in crisis. Proceeds went to the Center for Family Services, which is based in South Jersey.

The workshop, held on January 21, was designed to boost confidence and teach valuable safety techniques. It was held at Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club and was exclusively for women, providing a supportive environment to learn self-defense basics. Moms, daughters, aunts, nieces, friends, and colleagues were encouraged attend.

Proceeds ($1700 raised from this event) benefited Center For Family Services, a local nonprofit women’s shelter. Also collected was over 225 pieces of business attire for The Wardrobe, which helps women get prepared and feel confident for important professional events.

Participants learned from experienced instructors who lead practical exercises and demonstrations for self-defense, while encouraging women to trust their instincts in dicey situations.

A great big thank you to Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club for donating their studio space, TJ Miller, Founder of Ludus Academy of Martial Arts for donating their instructional expertise and and Tina Markoe Photography for capturing the day’s events. Thank you to GAW Technology, the event’s key sponsor

Door prizes and refreshments were donated by: Berman Jewelers, Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club, Pasariello’s, Nothing Bundt (Cherry Hill), and Party Host Helpers.

Creating this event was a gratifying experience – Nancy and Cheryl are already forming ideas for their next big event…stay tuned!