FAQ's

What is the Breaking Barriers event?
The Breaking Barriers event began as a vision by Martial Arts Master Leif Becker. Leif first developed the idea of breaking through 100,000 martial arts boards to set a World Record for the most boards in a single day. In addition, Leif wanted to create an opportunity for kids across the country to express difficulties they face in life while helping other kids in need. Using the power of the internet children from across the country will have a chance to register for one of Leif’s certified boards to be broken at his World Record event. Once registration is complete they will then have a chance to list their personal challenge on their board and share it with family and friends to help raise money for the cause they have chosen.

How do I register for the Breaking Barriers event?
Go to the Register page and click “Register Now”. You will be guided through the registration process. Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation email receipt.

The registration fee and all donations are non-refundable and non-transferable. The Breaking Barriers event reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse registration and/or participation to anyone at any time before or during the event.

Is there a minimum age requirement to register for the Breaking Barriers?
Anyone at any age can register for a board (participants under the age of 18 must get parental consent).

I live outside the United States. Can I participate in the event?
Sorry at this time registration is limited to the Continental United States.

Where can I find information about the financial results from the Breaking Barriers event?
After the official event all of the financial results are audited, a report card is posted on the Breaking Barriers event website.

How can my participation in Breaking Barriers help children?
By registering for a board and listing a challenge, you bring awareness to the difficulties faced by children today. In addition, by asking family and friends to support the cause you have listed and continue to fundraise, you will bring awareness as well as funds to assist in the needs of children and charities supporting these children.

How does the fundraising work?
Similar to a walk-a-thon, individuals that participate will have an opportunity to register to be a part of Breaking Barriers event by officially entering for one of the boards to be broken at the World Record Breaking Event.

Participants raise money for their board and challenge and have the opportunity to choose a charity that will benefit from their fundraising efforts. 

Where do the funds go?
100% of the net proceeds raised go directly to programs supporting children’s needs on a daily basis.

Distribution of funds raised includes Breaking Barriers programs, The REACH Foundation’s programs as well as to the charities individuals have chosen to benefit from their efforts. For a complete summary of programs and charities, please review the donations / fundraising page on our website.

Who should register for this event?
Any person who wants to help children overcome their barriers. 

Should I register as an individual or a team?
Both are ways to help and will bring needed support to children. Some like the camaraderie and support of a team, plus teams are eligible to win team prizes including a gym / karate school makeover.

What happens to all the boards once they are broken?
Leif Becker and The REACH Foundation ensure materials used to complete this event will be recycled and used to help those in need.

Do I receive an actual board?
Due to both material and shipping costs, registrants will receive a photo of an actual board to list their personal barrier. Participants raising $200.00 or more in their fundraising efforts will be mailed an official Breaking Barriers board broken during the event.

How will I know when my board is broken?
Each participant receives a board number upon registration and will be able to monitor the event to see when their board is broken. Due to the actual pace of this event, an estimated count will be taking place and available online to monitor what number board Leif is breaking throughout the day.

Is a portion of the registration fee a donation, too?
Yes, in addition to any funds raised on behalf of the board, the ultimate goal, $5 of the initial registration fee goes directly to the charity of your choice. The other $20 goes to cover the cost of the board and program expenses, but the full $25 amount is tax-deductible.

Where should I mail donation checks?
All check donations must be attached to a donation form and should be mailed to the address listed on the donation form, The REACH Foundation / Breaking Barriers, P.O. Box 354, Farmington, CT 06032 . All check donations must be accompanied by a brief donation info card.

Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to: The REACH Foundation / Breaking Barriers.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can the Breaking Barriers event accept international donations?
Yes. The Breaking Barriers event can accept international donations online with a credit card. International donations cannot be accepted through any other method because of processing complications.

For international donations made online with a credit card, will the amount entered in Breaking Barriers event online donation form be in U.S. dollars?
Yes. For international donations made online with a credit card, the amount entered in Breaking Barriers event online donation form will be in U.S. dollars.

Do all donors receive a receipt?
Yes, anyone who donates, regardless of the amount, will receive a receipt if they provide a valid email address. For those who donate online, the receipt is generated directly after the donation is made and donors can print that receipt for tax purposes or personal records. For those who mail in a donation and provide a valid email address, the receipt is generated once the donation has been processed and is emailed to the donor. Those who donate $250 or more and do not have an email address will receive a copy of the receipt in the mail.

What is a matching gift and how do I apply for one?
Many companies (both large and small) offer employee matching gift programs. This means that when an employee makes a donation to a cause or non-profit organization, the corporation will “match” that donation with an equal (or greater) amount to the same group. For more information about matching gift, visit the Matching Gifts page.