Every Fall, Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy LLC hosts the Pledge-A-Thon, a unique food drive in partnership with the Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center to help fight hunger in Tucson and the surrounding communities. This event brings together students, family members, and friends of the dojo in a hands-on, meaningful way to support those in need.
How It Works
Participants bring in food donations, which are then converted into “pledges.” Each pledge corresponds to a number of exercises—pull-ups, sit-ups, squats, or laps—that the dojo completes together in a group workout, much like a traditional jog-a-thon. This transforms giving into a shared, active experience, combining service, self-discipline, and community.
In the Fall of 2025, our students and families raised over 1,000 pounds of food, translating into roughly 30,000 combined repetitions of exercises over a four-hour session. Every contribution, sweat, and effort reflects the values we teach at Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy — discipline, teamwork, and gratitude.
Why It Matters
Fighting Hunger: All food collected is donated directly to the Food Bank, helping families in need throughout our community.
Teaching Gratitude: By giving time, effort, and energy, participants learn to appreciate what they have and the importance of helping others.
Building Community: Students, family members, and friends work side by side, strengthening bonds while making a tangible difference.
The Pledge-A-Thon is more than just a fundraiser — it is a lesson in self-sacrifice, service, and empathy, wrapped in an active, fun, and challenging group experience. Each year, we witness firsthand the power of a community coming together to support one another and make a lasting impact.