Not all the lessons taught at American Shaolin Kenpo in Antioch pertain to martial arts. According to Grand Master May Castro-Manner, civic responsibility and patriotism are also part of the curriculum, as is helping other people.

The students and their families, left, with members of the Antioch Police Department, get high marks for their recent work in that arena. With the help of more than 40 local businesses that supplied raffle prizes, the group raised more than $5,400 for the department’s canine unit.

“We were pleased and proud to do something for our police department because they do so much for all of us,” said Castro-Manner. “It was awesome to see people reach deep into their pockets.”

Additional efforts are in the works to raise the rest of the approximately $15,000 needed to acquire a new police dog, which will take the place of one of the PD’s retiring animals.