enCourage Kids Foundation and Leif Becker Host Breaking Barriers, a World Record Setting Event

Through the Breaking Barriers experience at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Time Square, enCourage Kids Foundation will showcase the many children and families fighting illnesses by highlighting their courage, strength, and determination with each board broken. The boards are decorated by enCourage Kid Foundation's youth with specific health or medical barriers they wish to overcome, such as "cancer," "dialysis," and "fear." By obliterating those boards, Leif Becker represents the ability to overcome such barriers, while uniting support for a worthy cause.

"Breaking Barriers has always been more then breaking boards; more than world records," explains Becker. "The Breaking Barriers campaign was created to recognize and bring awareness to the challenges children face on a daily basis. To open the hearts and minds of children and to invite them to explore the unlimited possibilities life has to offer when they have the courage to acknowledge and break through their personal challenges."

enCourage Kid Foundation supports programs and services in over 100 hospitals, providing environments and experiences to help children through each step of their medical journey.

"We are thrilled to be part of this record-setting and symbolic event to help raise awareness of the challenges our organization's children and families face, but also to inspire courage and hope within them," said Michele Hall-Duncan, Executive Director of the enCourage Kids Foundation.

Donations made to enCourage Kids Foundation will help Breaking Barriers in the following ways:

• $12: Every dollar makes a difference
• $60: 60 barriers broken
• $600: 600 barriers broken
• $1,200: Includes commemorative board

The 24-hour record-setting event will take place at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! in Times Square (234 West 42^nd Street) from Thursday, May 11^th to Friday, May 12^th.

"Another event for Ripley's record books! We're honored to host this unique endeavor to raise awareness for this inspiring charity. Spectators certainly won't be 'board' as Leif symbolically breaks barriers, one board at a time. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square is so grateful to be even a small part of these children's lives," said Stacy Shuster, Director of Marketing Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square.

In addition, on May 4^th, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square will be launching Ripley's Week of Giving. For the week leading up to the Breaking Barriers event, visitors to the iconic attraction will have the opportunity to purchase a certified board for a donation of $5.00 which will go towards the enCourage Kids Foundation.  Ripley's will have a decoration station for visitors to beautify their boards with inspiring messages or perhaps visuals of barriers in their own lives that Leif can break through on May 11^th. 

Visit encourage-kids.org/breakingbarriers to learn more about the Breaking Barriers event and fundraising campaign. Follow via social media with hashtag #breakingbarriers4EKF.

Join the conversation! Find enCourage Kids Foundation on Instagram @encouragekids and on Facebook at @encouragekidsfoundation.

About enCourage Kids Foundation
enCourage Kids Foundation encourages all kids facing health challenges to be carefree by creating environments and experiences that help them through each step of their medical journey. Our programs reach youths facing a variety of health issues, from those receiving chemo treatments in a clinic to those living with chronic illnesses that may not be visible. These young people deserve the same opportunities to laugh, play and have fun, whether receiving treatment in the hospital, or living with their struggles at home. To learn more or donate, visit www.encourage-kids.org.

About Leif Becker
Leif Becker is one of today's most recognized Martial Artist in the world. He has been featured internationally for his breaking ability and holds the world record as the Fastest Breaker in the World. It would take four attempts over five years to achieve this goal. Leif has since conceptualized the sport of board breaking into a passion for overcoming, through Breaking Barriers. In addition to teaming up with non-profits, Leif hosts corporate events, ranging from intimate team building exercises to large scale events, working previously with American Express, Bass Pro Shops, COX Communications, Departures Magazine and Honeywell. He connects with the challenges faced by others and delivers a road map for the successes they desire to achieve. www.leifbecker.com

About Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square invites guest of all ages to experience the unbelievable mysteries of our world. Home to rare artifacts and thrilling interactive exhibits, this one-of-a-kind attraction in NYC is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the unusual, the unexpected and the unbelievable. Only at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square will families rediscover wonder around every corner. Ripley's is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

SOURCE enCourage Kids Foundation