Hundreds of parents, grandparents and curious onlookers crowded around a giant blue mat at Chesapeake Square Mall on Saturday.

They were clamoring for a glimpse of dozens of martial artists, from age 4 up to adults, who were on a mission to break 1,000 boards to continue to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

“We’re going to break a thousand boards today in representation of the money the kids have raised and the battles the kids have fought in the hospital,” said Melony Hwang, director of Master Hwang’s World Class Tae Kwon Do on Bridge Road.

The school’s students have worked for six weeks to raise money for the hospital, culminating in Saturday’s board break-a-thon. The “Health Kick” event included tae kwon do demonstrations and the presentation of a check to CHKD.

Students were tasked with raising money however they could, from walking door-to-door to asking parents’ co-workers. Those who contributed to the efforts were given the privilege of participating in the board break-a-thon.

“Some of the ideas the kids come up with are remarkable,” Hwang said.

This is the third year the school has raised money for the hospital, Hwang said. They initially began raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, a cooperative of pediatric hospitals of which CHKD is a part.

“Our business really revolves around kids,” Hwang said, explaining why they chose the children’s hospital. She said many parents and grandparents who give generously are “just being grateful [the children] can do this and other ones can not.”

The event raised $11,000 in its inaugural year, and $12,000 last year.

At Saturday’s event, the students lined up by age groups and took turns breaking boards held by instructors or black-belt students. They chose whether they wanted to break the board using a kick, a punch or a knife-hand. The important thing was not to give up if they did not break it on the first try.

“We’re really excited,” Hwang said. “It’s our favorite event of the year.”

For more information about the school’s fundraiser, call 483-1331.