Brotherly Love: Free Lessons For Kids

A Bucks County couple is making dreams come true for kids. Michele and Gene Rice are helping kids get lessons in everything from piano to martial arts. They started small, but the results are big.

At a martial arts studio in Northeast Philadelphia, Michele Rice and her husband Gene watch 7-year-old Mateo Sanders.

Mateo can rattle off what he's learning: "Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit."

A few months ago, this Taekwon-do class was only a dream for Mateo.

His mother, Cecily Sanders, said, "Every day he would come home and beg Mom to put him in karate, but unfortunately I could not afford it."

Mateo's mom found out about Plant a Seed Foundation, a charity started by Michele and Gene to give classes to kids with financial hardships.

"These are all great kids. Some of them, though, really need an opportunity, just that chance to experience something that they never would be able to otherwise," said Michele Rice.

Michele found Marcello Cancelliere of Red Tiger Taekwon-Do. Cancelliere and Plant a Seed split the cost of a year of lessons for Mateo.

"The doors opened up, and it was like his personality came out," said Cancelliere.

Mateo is just one of about 15 kids Plant a Seed is helping.

Gene Rice said, "We have certain kids that are into horseback riding. Other kids are going to art school. We have kids in gymnastics classes."

Michele and Gene usually don't meet the kids they help. But this time, they did—and got a thank you from Mom.

"I could never repay you for the gift you've given my son," Cecily told them.

These are skills and memories Mateo can keep forever.

Michele and Gene are raising funds with the help of donors, and they have the money to help more kids.

Do you know people like Michele and Gene doing good in the community? Nominate them for Brotherly Love!