Jazz Brunch Fundraiser Held for Local Taekwondo Student to Go to China

Burke Cigar hosted a Jazz Brunch on Sunday to raise money to help send a Phan University of Martial Arts student abroad for a competition.

All proceeds went towards sending P.U.M.A. student Shaina Krause to China where she will represent America in the World University games after . 

Shaina’s achievement came shortly after the sudden death of , who died in March 2011 in .

Representing Phan University of Martial Arts at the Jazz Brunch was Dina Towbin and Jim Trinka, students of the school. 

“The team is a non-profit association so we are always looking for ways to raise money to help the team," P.U.M.A. student Dina Towbin said. "We give scholarships to team members who are in financial need to help them attend tournaments and for other training expenses. As Shaina recently lost her father, we are trying to assist her and her family in this time of need."

“As we feel blessed, this event is just our small way of giving back to the community," said Shami  Walia, the owner of Burke Cigar.

Event participants paid a set price for a ticket that offered a free cigar, hourly raffles, the sweet sounds of a live jazz duo, and a brunch consisting of a made-to-order omelet station, croissants, coffee and juice.

"Shami has been very generous and helped us raise funds," Towbin said.

Items for the raffle were supplied by General Cigar in conjunction with Burke Cigar. Some items included were sweatshirts, cigar cases, as well as the big prize, a Callaway golf bag. Free Macanudo 1968 cigars were provided to everyone who purchased a ticket. 

“This was another cornucopia event at Shami’s shop,” said LT Thompson, a regular Burke Cigar patron. “Soccer and basketball in the background on television, cigars, fresh made-to-order omelets instead of other events that focus on just 'man food,' raffles, women attending and everyone smoking and enjoying themselves.”

“[Burke Cigar is] not intimidating; [it has] a very welcoming environment," said event attendee Jennifer Vandemeulebroeck.  The men are very nice and it’s a bit like Cheers.”

P.U.M.A, owned and run by Master Phan Le, has organized several fundraising events to meet the $3,000 goal to send Shaina Krause to China, including two events at Burke Cigar, a car wash, and a doughnut sale. Some students and their families have generously donated as well. 

However, only about $1,000 has been raised so far has been met.  Interested parties can send monetary contributions to the Phan University of Martial Arts at 9566 Old Keene Mill Rd. Burke, VA 22015 with checks made payable to “Phan University of Martial Arts team.” Donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on donating to the fund for Shaina Krause, contact Phan University of Martial Arts at 703-455-3700.