Diane Haney gives a bag a kick during the three-hour Kick-a-Thon held Friday at the Butte YMCA. The event raised $8,000 – including $5,000 from Harrington Pepsi -- for the YMCA and Safe Space shelter for women and children. Henry and Colleen Klobucar, who teach self-defense classes at the Y, organized the fundraiser. Thirty-six people participated. “Our original thought was that everyone would be sponsored for one penny per kick and earn $10 for charity in their efforts,” Henry Klobucar said. “We were humbled by so many sponsorships for $100 from individuals and businesses and knew that we were onto something.” The big surprise was Amy Maki, who received a sponsorship from her employer, Harrington Pepsi, for $5 per kick. She completed 1,000 kicks and brought in a $5,000 donation from Harrington Pepsi. The Y’s director, Phillip Borup, said. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when generosity of time meets generosity of money.’’