[Atlanta] – July 8, 2016 – Today, The FitWit Foundation announced it has been awarded a grant from Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) for $20,000 as part of Target’s ongoing youth wellness efforts.

The FitWit Foundation provides free fitness programs that build strength and develop character in the young people who need it most. While decreasing obesity and improving fitness are important to The FitWit Foundation, their primary aim lies in using fitness as the vehicle to empower children to believe in themselves and strive for success every day. The FitWit Foundation’s FitWit Club program is designed for middle and high school students not involved in sports and is offered to schools and students at no cost. The FitWit Foundation plans to use the Target grant to expand its FitWit Club program into more Atlanta schools.

“We are incredibly grateful for Target’s support of our mission and the community of Atlanta,” said Megan Gilroy, Executive Director of The FitWit Foundation. “We are thrilled by the number of students we will be able to reach with this partnership. Our program gives students access to free fitness as well as a community that provides them an opportunity to learn to set goals, experience new activities, rebound from setback, and celebrate successes. It’s exciting to see students translate these lessons into other areas of their lives, which will ultimately impact the city of Atlanta.”

“At Target, we are committed to helping make wellness a way of life for our team members, guests and communities,” said Laysha Ward, chief corporate social responsibility officer, Target. “That’s why we are excited to partner with an impressive array of organizations who are already doing such important work to make an impact in the wellness space. Together, we will help remove barriers to wellness in our communities, working to increase the consumption of nutrient-dense food and physical activity of kids and families across the country.”

The grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to help make wellness more affordable, accessible and inspirational for its team members, guests and communities. Target also is partnering closely with local leaders and

organizations in communities around the country who are experts in youth wellness and actively working to close the wellness gap for children. These efforts are part of Target’s long history of giving 5 percent of its profit to communities, which today equals more than $4 million every week.

About The FitWit Foundation

The FitWit Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 2008, The FitWit Foundation has offered free fitness and character development programs to over 1,000 youth in Atlanta Metro. The FitWit Foundation is primarily funded by individual donations and grants. To learn more about The FitWit Foundation or to make a donation visit thefitwitfoundation.org or email megan@fitwit.com

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,792 stores and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit to communities, which today equals more than $4 million a week. For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom. For a behind-the-scenes look at Target, visit Target.com/abullseyeview or follow @TargetNews on Twitter.

 

“So where does your money come from?” and “Where does it go?” are common questions for a nonprofit. The charts below shed light on both of those questions, along with the question of “how can I help?”  This is a comparison of fundraising and spending between 2015 and projections for 2016. Please consider joining us in our mission of empowering youth to believe in themselves and strive for success every day.

 

 

 

 

So what does this mean? 

It means The FitWit Foundation is growing, but most importantly it means, we need YOU. As you can see in comparison to last year, our budget has increased, this is primarily due to increased staff to ensure the quality and effectiveness of our program. However, the biggest increase is with Individual and Business Donations (outside of an event).

What will your money do?

Giving Level	Giving Amount	What You Provide
Motivate	$25 ($2.08/mnth)	Provides a jump rope and yoga mat for one student to use at FitWit Club and at home.
Inspire	$50  ($4.16/mnth)	Provides a jump rope, yoga mat, and journal for one student to use at FitWit Club and at home.
Encourage	$100  ($8.34/mnth)	Provides one semester of healthy snacks for students at the end of each club session.
Strengthen	$250  ($20.84/mnth)	Provides one student a semester of belonging to a school club, where they experience a variety of exercise, fostering a love for physical activity.
Influence	$500  ($41.67/mnth)	Provides a stipend for a school staff member to start and advise FitWit Club at his/her school.
Impact	$1,000  ($83.34/mnth)	Provides four students a semester of belonging to a school club, where they are exposed to exercise and a positive community that will carry on with them into their future.
Empower	$5,000  ($416.47/mnth)	Provides one semester of a community dedicated to fitness that empowers students not involved in sports to believe in themselves and strive for success every day at one Atlanta middle or high school
Transform	$10,000  ($833.34/mnth)	Provides an entire year of a community dedicated to fitness that empowers students, not involved in sports, to believe in themselves and strive for success every day at one Atlanta middle or high school.

 

Are You a Sustainable Donor?

Increase the power of your gift by empowering youth access to free fitness year-round by becoming a sustainable donor. Being a sustainable donor allows you the opportunity to set up convenient, ongoing, monthly, tax-deductible contributions that you can change or stop at anytime.   Become a sustainable donor.

Make a one time gift?

Invest in our mission.  All donations to The FitWit Foundation are tax-deductible. You may send a donation online or mail a check to: P.O. Box 5486   Atlanta, GA 31107.

Will your employer match your donation?

Check to see. Click, “Workplace Giving”

If you have any questions regarding other ways to give and/or how you can be a part of our mission, please contact Megan Gilroy at: , 423-341-1009

 

 

Elisa is a first time FitWit Club coach at Harper Archer this spring. She bring energy and enthusiasm to the club and student. Her passion for people and fitness is contagious to everyone she encounters. Get to know Elisa a little bit more…

 

What role does fitness play in your personal life?

“Fitness is vital to my life. Fitness is my stress reliever and my natural sleeping pill. I feel so relaxed after an effective workout. It gives me energy and confidence. I am able to keep up at work without getting tired and I know with each workout I’m closer to my fitness goals.”

What inspired you to be a FitWit Club coach?

“I was inspired to be a FitWit coach because I wanted to test my skills as a coach. I also wanted to see what it’s like to work for a non-profit organization. I want to own a for-profit organization to help people of all ages lose weight. FitWit is the blueprint for me to see how an organization is ran.”

What has been your favorite part of being a FitWit Club coach so far?

“My favorite part about being a FitWit coach is the ability to have fun with kids. My kids at Harper Archer are funny and they definitely put a smile on my face. I have learned so much about myself through them. They have taught me how to be a better leader, to soften up my heart, a lot of patience, and that I am capable of running a successful program. I have never coached a day of my life until FitWit. Some of my “bright ideas” turn out not to be the best ones but I’m thankful that FitWit allows me to see those flaws and change them. When it comes to dealing with children, some days are great and some days are a rough. I am able to still find something positive in the rough days. I have become more light hearted and enjoy having fun.”

What do you do in your time outside of being a FitWit Club coach (work and/or fun)?

“Outside of FitWit you can find me at art shows, walking nature trails/mountains, traveling to new places, trying different restaurants, painting, researching different foods, building my business, networking with the community, volunteering, or knocked out in bed.”

What would be a theme song for your life?

“My theme song for life is Rise and Shine by Big K.R.I.T. I chose this song because it makes me want to get out of bed, get myself together, and WIN!”

 

Want to become a FitWit Club coach,  mentor, or volunteer in another capacity?  Learn More.

On September 26, we challenged you to test your limits with 90 seconds of pushups and you accepted. Not only did you accept the challenge, but 73 of you took it on with enthusiasm and threw down…. not only an incredible number of pushups (3,781 to be exact), but also an incredible amount of money – $25,386 to allow The FitWit Foundation to continue their mission of providing free fitness programs that build strength and develop character in youth who need it most. Each year we continue to be amazed by the energy participants bring to the event and to raising money to support our mission. We are incredibly thankful to have such amazing supporters.
Congratulations to our top ten fundraisers: Joe Gotshall who raised $1,795; Matt Benard who raised $1,270; Maggie McClatchey who raised $1,007; Elizabeth Hornor who raised $843; Jayme Bartlett who raised $795; Beth Cavalier who raised $785; Beth Ann Clanin who raised $748; Josh Guerrieri who raised $674; Gerrell Sterling who raised $636; and Rebecca Dahl who raised $595.
Pushup Throwdown was unique this year as it was a part Atlanta Contact Point’s Showcase event at Pullman Yard, which featured multiple organizations who are working to spread health and fitness to the community. The event would not have been such a success without the effort and energy our planning committee put contributed. This year’s Pushup Throwdown Committee included: Allison Miller, Beth Cavalier, Josh Guerrieri, Kathleen Lorey, Mary Claire Leverett, and Maxwell Moody.

The Pushup Throwdown, in it’s third year, continues to be the biggest fundraiser for The FitWit Foundation. We are excited for the future of The FitWit Foundation and the number of students who’s lives will be empowered through our program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Photos can be found HERE

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If you are interested in serving on one of The FitWit Foundation’s committees or volunteering with The FitWit Foundation in another capacity, please email: megan@fitwit.com

Jenade has been working hard this summer as our Summer Program Coordinator. Jenade joined us as a GSU Exercise Science Intern this past January. Inspired to continue working with our students, she accepted the position of being our Summer Program Coordinator at the beginning of May. She has done a great job leading the summer programs and ensuring success at each club location.

 

 

Get to know Jenade a little bit better with our Q&A:

 

What inspired you to be an Exercise Science major?
Being active has always been important to me. Majoring in Exercise Science was the best way to share it with others.

Favorite Exercise:
Star Jumps; mostly because I enjoy screaming “I’m a STAR!”

Favorite part of internship:
My favorite part was visiting Maynard Jackson students at lunch. It really helped me get to know the students better.

Best FitWit Club experience so far:
Best FitWit Club experience was taking the students to Skyzone. It was awesome seeing all the smiles and flips! I even got to join in on the fun!

Any valuable lessons you have learned in your role?
Being an effective leader is tough without building relationships and
togetherness.

What would you share with future interns working with The FitWit Foundation?
Sometimes you will walk into situations that aren’t what you expected or prepared for, feel confident in what you are doing and don’t be afraid to switch up the plan.

        The FitWit Foundation is pleased to announce it’s newest board member, Dr. Kymberle Sterling. Kymberle was elected into office on March 18, 2015 at the board’s monthly meeting. Kymberle is an an Associate Professor of Health Promotion & Behavior at Georgia State University’s School of Public Health. Her research focuses on understanding health risky behaviors among 12-24 year olds, particularly flavored tobacco and marijuana use. She teaches master’s of public health (MPH) students how to develop prevention programs that seek to promote health and reduce detrimental risk behaviors among various target populations.

Kymberle brings a fun spirit and passionate drive to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices to the Board of Directors. In addition to her experience of research and working with youth, she has an extensive background in grant writing, which she hopes to provide to The FitWit Foundation.

 

Kymberle, along with her husband, Gerrell, and two daughters live in Decatur, GA. Setting examples for their daughters to lead healthy lives, Kym and Gerrell lead active lifestyles and are both longtime FitWit Decatur campers.

 

 

Another change recently made to The FitWit Foundation’s Board of Directors is a new face to the Executive Committee’s position of Vice President. Matt Benard, who is in his third year of serving on TFWF”s Board of Directors was elected into office on March 18, 2015 at the board’s monthly meeting. Matt’s decisive mindset and energy to jump in wherever is needed makes him a great fit for the position. During his time in this leadership position, Matt plans to focus much of his energy on board development – bringing new faces and perspectives to the group.

As The FitWit Foundation’s programming expands throughout metro Atlanta, The FitWit Foundation is pleased to have a board that can support this growth. The FitWit Foundation and FitWit community welcomes Dr. KymberleSterling and Matt Benard into their new roles on The FitWit Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Although some of this may change, we want to let you know what we are up to and how you can join us in 2015 – get your calendars out!

January 13 & 14: Advisor & Co-Advisor Training

Get Involved:

• Help recruit college age students to serve as co-advisors in the upcoming school year.

 

January 17, 2015: MLK Drum Run

Get Involved:

• Sign up to run with a FitWit Club member – email: megan@fitwit.com
• Register under FitWit Foundation to run!

 

January 26 & February 2: FitWit Clubs begin!

Get Involved:

• Volunteer to be a club mentor – (email megan@fitwit.com)
• Help recruit and schedule guest instructors

Ongoing ways to get involved:

• Donate 
• Share with your schools about FitWit Club
• Sign up for our newsletter to keep informed of future opportunities to get involved!

 

Looking for a dentist is somewhat like looking for a car mechanic. – you want to ask friends for suggestions on where to go. We can speak from personal experience that Inman Park Dentistry, located in the heart of Inman Park, is one of those places you get excited to tell your friends about after visiting. Not only do they do a superb job shining those pearly whites of yours, but they also provide all aspects of general dentistry, including digital X-rays, periodontal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, tooth-colored fillings, ceramic crowns, one-visit bleaching, root-canal therapy, as well as consultations, second opinions, and support to The FitWit Foundation.

       So you may not find that last option on their list of services, but as a supporter of The FitWit Foundation, they believe in our mission; recognizing that many children today lack the knowledge and resources to create a healthy lifestyle and TFWF is the key in getting them started on the right track (Their words, not ours!! Pretty awesome!). Dr. Rodriguez and his wife used to be members of FitWit Grant Park before taking on ownership of Inman Park Dentistry. His vast range of interests and hobbies leave you wanting to talk the whole time he is inspecting your teeth (we advise you to not try this). A couple other reasons (if we haven’t listed enough) why we love Inman Park Dentistry:

What makes your product/service unique?
We believe beautiful smiles begin with a focus on comfort, function, and aesthetics. All of our fillings and crowns are metal-free for beauty, strength, and safety. We are here to help you maintain your oral health for a lifetime, and strive to educate our patients in understanding the cause of dental disease and how it can be treated or prevented in order to minimize the dental work you may need through the years.

How do you like to be known by your customers?

Dr. Rodriguez’ philosophy stresses “minimally invasive dentistry”, utilizing modern procedures to implement practical solutions for functional, long-lasting, and beautiful dental work.  But above all else, he strives to provide top-quality service in a caring and supportive environment, because when you are comfortable, he can more easily work with you to maintain your optimum oral health!

Any fun facts about your company/business owners?

Dr. Rodriguez is an avid cyclist who commutes daily to work on his bike. He is a big part of the Atlanta cycling community, and Inman Park Dentistry is an official sponsor of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition.  Dr. Rodriguez is also a part-time artist with multiple public art installations along the Atlanta BeltLine.

 

Thank you, Inman Park Dentistry, for your support to The FitWit Foundation. 

Give Inman Park Dentistry a visit.