Bob White invitational tournament draws near

The third annual Youth Karate Invitational Tournament is fast approaching.

Bob White’s Karate Studio in Santa Ana will host the 17-and-under Feb. 23 tournament at Calvary Chapel High to benefit abused and neglected children.

Each year, more than three million American children are reportedly abused — physically attacked, emotionally damaged, sexually molested, or severely neglected. Most are removed from their abusive homes by Social Services.

All proceeds from the annual tournament, now in its third year, will be donated to the Royal Family Kids Camp of Newport-Mesa. RFKC has been providing free week-long summer camps for 20 years for children in group and foster homes in Southern California as a way of helping children after they’ve been removed from abusive situations.

In the first year, Bob White’s Karate Studio raised $12,000 and doubled that amount last year, contributing $24,000. Organizers are looking to double contributions once again. Last year’s funds allowed 50 children, from ages 7-11, to attend the summer camp.

Organizers are looking for no more than 300 participants and ask that everyone register online by Feb. 1.

Details can be found on www.bobwhiteinvitational.com.

— From staff reports