The FitWit Foundation is pleased to announce it’s newest board member, Dr.Erin Torzewski. Dr. Erin is the owner of The Body Well, Chiropractic Wellness Center in Glenwood Park.  Dr. Erin brings her wellness expertise and passion as well as a business owner’s perspective to The FitWit Foundation’s Board of Directors.  

After graduating with a B.S. in chemistry at Indiana State University, Erin pursued her passion for health and enrolled at Logan College of Chiropractic, finishing in 2006.  After practicing and living in New York, Erin decided that Atlanta was the perfect place to call home in May, 2011. Erin loves working and living in the Grant Park community. She can often be found walking her dog, Moses, around the park, or running with friends.

“Providing opportunities for local youth to discover their potential through fitness and other wellness tools is what excited me most about The FitWit Foundation’s work,” states Dr. Erin. “I also love that TFWF exposes kids to understanding that having a sense of belonging to community is just as important as the physical strength they gain. I believe every person deserves to live to their fullest potential and that includes physical, mental and social well-being.”

We are very excited to have Dr.Erin joining us and believe she will be a valuable addition to The FitWit Foundation Board of Directors and the future of The FitWit Foundation.

 

        When sharing the TFWF story with others, they sometimes ask, “Why does The FitWit Foundation focus specifically on students not involved in sports?” My response is always, “did you play sports growing up? How do you think playing sports in your youth has impacted your life as an adult today?”  I never get an answer anything more than a contemplative look. The answer to “Why kids not involved in sports?” may be obvious, until you try to put it into words. I know what you may be thinking, but no, our answer is not, “look how many obese kids we have.”

       According to the CDC, youth ages 6-17 should be getting at least one hour of physical activity every day. Atlanta high school students are required to take a Physical Education (PE) course one semester of their 4-year high school career. So how do youth get their recommended daily physical activity for the remaining 7 semester of their high school careers? Some play sports and others may play outside or be self motivated to be active, but a large number of students are missing any daily physical activity, as you may imagine. The number of students not being physically active is a problem; rather than blame anyone for this, The FitWit Foundation is solving it.

        FitWit Club creates a non-competitive environment, which is more appealing to students not involved in sports. At FitWit Club, students are exposed to workouts that allow for improvement day by day. As students improve and see success each day, they develop an inner competition as well as a love for physical activity, that perhaps they did not believe existed. This inner competition and desire for improvement is result of habit and discipline, which transfers into student’s daily lives at home and school.

           The desire for self improvement as a result of habit and discipline is what I am getting at when I answer the initial question of “why kids not involved in sports?” with “How do you think playing sports in your youth has impacted you as an adult?” By focusing on students not involved in sports is how I believe we fulfill our mission statement of, providing free fitness programs that build strength and develop character for the young who need it most, every single day.

Dear FitWit Family,

Wow! “Wow” has become my “Word of 2013” for The FitWit Foundation. (I prefer to say it with both of my hands showing three fingers and my mouth as the ‘o’… try it, I dare you!!)  I have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm The FitWit Foundation received (and continues to receive) from each of you that supports our work of providing free fitness and character developing programs for the young who need it most here in Atlanta.

When interviewing last year, I remember Ben saying, “we have such an amazing community,” multiple times over the phone. I have to admit, I just thought, “ok, that’s cool, everyone thinks their own community is amazing,” I can honestly say, I can’t think of a moment when you, the FitWit community, have never proven Ben wrong. I continue to be dumbfounded by the fact that I can post a request for a needed item on Facebook or camp news and literally, in a matter of minutes, I will have dozens of baked goods, shoes, sports bras, funds for 5k’s, a computer, an iPad, or a silent auction item at the door. This doesn’t even begin to touch on the amounts of time and sweat so many of you gave by attending events that raised money, mentoring students, being a helper at the High Schools, running 5k’s, decorating/setting up/cleaning up for events, connecting us with schools, or helping out at programming… just to name a few. Without all of these things, we would not have been able to raise over $30,000 this past year, which was beyond our 2013 goal, bringing awe and excitement. The funny thing is, YOU are responsible for this. In addition to all the ways mentioned earlier, The FitWit Foundation would not exist if you were not willing to take a risk that required getting outside of your comfort zone and being a part of the FitWit community in some of the craziest sounding workouts (100 burpees time? WTF?!!?) and group socials…. even at 6:00 am, for some of you!! This is truly amazing, this is each one of YOU.

In 2013, The FitWit Foundation ran 4 programs total– one in Decatur HS; two in Maynard Jackson HS, and one at the Oakhurst B&G club; ran 3 5k’s with students; and worked with a total of 103 students. A couple of other highlights of the year included being named a Public Health Hero by Partner Up! for Public Health as well as being recognized as an approved after school fitness program by The Georgia SHAPE health initiative. A big change made this past year was creating FitWit Club, which is more of a curriculum-based model, implemented in the same manner as a typical High School club. The FitWit Foundation trains and support school staff in implementing FitWit Club into their own schools. Moving to this model allows us to leverage our program, connecting with a greater number of schools and students here in Atlanta.

So what does 2014 look like for The FitWit Foundation? We started off the year with our first advisor training on January 10, training three teachers to lead FitWit Club at their schools. (Photos and more details on this to come!!) FitWit Club will be running in 3 schools this spring and 4 schools in the fall. Each club exposes students not involved in sports to a variety of exercise, teambuilding, and character development through self reflection, community service, and goal setting. We are excited for another year that will push us to extend beyond our goals and wildest dreams, as we inspire youth to do the same.
We are truly grateful for all the ways you made 2013 a huge success and all the ways you continue to support our mission of providing free fitness and character developing programs to you the young who need it most here in Atlanta. None of this would be possible without YOU. Check out all the many ways you can continue to support us in reaching our goal of having FitWit Club in 25 schools in the next 5 years… Dream Big!! Thank you for a WOW 2013 year, and a BAM of a start to 2014!

In Gratitude,

Megan

FitWit Nation upturned goal of $3,000 to $16,000….in 90 seconds.

In case you did not hear, the Saturday morning of October 26, Forty-three FitWit’ers gathered together to participate in The FitWit Foundation’s first annual Pushups-for-a-Cause event. Not only did participants bring their energy and muscles, but friends, family, trainers, and kids rallied in through the doors with them as well. After a quick warm-up and discard of coffee mugs, each FitWit location was called in waves. Each wave brought more enthusiasm, excitement, and a small amount of competition. At the sound of, “Go,” participants rapidly began pumping pushups, working as though their life depended on it, as the entourage watched the clock cheered them on. As participants finished, they high five’d one another, recorded their number, and got ready to cheer on the next wave – regardless of the fact they probably didn’t

know the person (due to a different location). It was as though they didn’t care who was coming up behind them because that was not what the event was about. In fact, the event wasn’t even about the number of pushups each individual completed – there was no recognition of who completed the most, despite the fact the numbers were impressive. What participants were thinking about was the fact that their sore throats, arms, and abs that resulted from the day were done for a cause outside themselves – knowing the more pushups they performed equaled more Atlanta High School students being exposed to exercise and character building.

The festivities not only started with a bang but also finished with one as the first ever (“annual” is TBD) FitWit Trainer Games took place right after the pushups, while the pushup money was being calculated. Trainer Games gave campers an opportunity to yell and cheer for their respected trainers that push them through grunting workouts each week. It was chance for the trainers to, “show us what they got,” as campers may say… and the trainers did just that –brining their a-game faces and donning official “camper designed” uniforms, that only enhanced the experience**. Every

trainer from all four locations and FitWit head quarters performed five different events*** that required a variety of exercise components (agility, strength, stamina, speed, power, etc.). While each event took place, campers fervently cheered and filled the gym. Each individual scored points for the team, which collectively was averaged together to celebrate the location with the most points. According to the placing, each location received points towards their standing in the Fall for The Foundation campaign that has been happening during the month of October and November.

The final results of the trainer games concluded with North Druid Hills taking the lead, a close race for second and third place      going to GrantPark and Decatur respectively, Midtown in fourth, and FW Head Quarters in fifth.

Knowing the results of the trainer games would affect the standing for Fall for the Foundation, was awesome. However, what was even more awesome was the announcements that between the 43 people who pumped out pushups for 90 seconds and the ridiculousness that the trainers performed afterwards resulted in raising $16,000 for The FitWit Foundation. It’s amazing what an army of people, like FitWit Nation, is capable of doing when they come together. It was a true example of the community that FitWit Nation has created because of you. The FitWit Foundation is proud and thankful to call each of you a part of our community.

 

*Hand Release Pushup: When chest touches the ground, both hands are lifted off the floor for a slight second, placed right back, and body in full plank position is fully pushed back up.

**Photos of outfits are available – click here to view.

***Trainer Game events included:

#1: 25 Double Arm Kettlebell Squat (M=50lb W=35lb) followed by as many Pullups as possible

#2: Box Jump (points given according to highest)

#3: Dizzy Bat Relay

#4: Ladder Shuttle Run- increasing in 10m increments

#5: 8 min AMRAP of: 50 Wallballs (20/15), 50 Burpees, 50 D/U

 

Three FitWit’ers, Jennifer McConnell, Amber Jackson, and Brooke Oliver have graciously been volunteering their time this fall semester, serving as mentors to the members of FitWit Club. What does being a mentor involve?

Coming to club meetings aka workouts after school, jumping right  in, and working out alongside of the students (yes, in addition to FW some days). The second most important job of a mentor includes contacting students each week to remind them of club as well as check in and see how things are going/how they can support them to reach their goals.

Their personal experience of serving in this role is coming soon!

Next time you see Kevin Gillespie around town or at his restaurant, Gunshow, be sure to thank him for his awesomeness!! 

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre holds chef cooking competition in Atlanta; donates thousands to local charities ATLANTA (Sept. 16, 2013) –

Three of Atlanta’s finest chefs went head-to-head in the 2013 Cook-off for a Cause – a culinary competition designed to pair Italy’s famous Allegrini Palazzo della Torre wine with a signature dish. On September 12, the chefs competed on behalf of a charity of their choosing in front of a live audience and panel of judges – including The Bert Show’s Jeff Dauler and writer/wine educator Jane F. Garvey, CSW – at Vino Venue in Atlanta. The audience, comprised of food and wine media, members of the trade and winery executives, selected Chef John C. Metz, Jr., CEO and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern and Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar, as the winning chef. Chef Metz paired Allegrini Palazzo della Torre with an entrée of Rustic Country Rigatoni. Allegrini will be making a donation to charities selected by each participating chef.

The results are as follows:

1rst place: Chef John C. Metz, Jr./Sterling Hospitality, $3000 donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank in memory of Janice Reece. place:

2nd place: Chef Kevin Gillespie/Gunshow, $2000 donated to The FitWit Foundation.

3rd place: Chef Ford Fry/Rocket Farm, $1000 donated to City of Refuge.

“I’m here today because I am excited to support an organization that works with students through nutrition and exercise. However, it’s really more about building self confidence in the teens, making them feel better about themselves, physicially and mentally.  You take for granted how even just that little boost in self confidence will produce a life long change.” stated Kevin Gillespie

Marilisa Allegrini, sixth generation owner of the Allegrini Winery and cooking school in Italy, served as one of the judges. “It was delightful meeting Atlanta’s most talented chefs. It was very difficult judging the competition as the creative ways all three chefs paired food with our Palazzo della Torre was truly inspiring,” said Allegrini. For photos of the event or copies of the winning recipes, please contact Suong Nguyen at suong@melissalibbypr.com. About Allegrini Palazzo della Torre

Allegrini (www.allegrini.it) is a historic producer of highly acclaimed wines from the northern Italian region of Veneto. Owners Marilisa and Franco Allegrini are benchmark producers of some of the region’s most famous wines including Amarone, Valpolicella and Soave. Allegrini Palazzo della Torre is created from grapes grown at the historic Villa della Torre estate in Fumane di Valpolicella, a veritable jewel of the Italian Renaissance. The wine is crafted with the Allegrini family’s innovative take on the ripasso technique, in which 70 percent of the grapes are vinified immediately after harvest, while the remaining 30 percent are dried for several months, and then added to the fermenting wine. Allegrini Palazzo della Torre is deep ruby red in color, with notes of dark, dried cherries, blackberries, and hints of dates and mocha. It is a favorite of wine critics and aficionados, delivering elegant structure with rich flavors and aromas. It is the only European wine listed on Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” six times, including five consecutive appearances. For more information on the Allegrini Winery, please visit www.allegrini.it. ###

March 22, 2013

FitWit Nation - You need to know what happened on Saturday morning.  This was the morning of the Tour DeCatur where 2500 people were slated to run in support of the Decatur City Schools. However, with heavy rain, thunder and lightening, only a few hundred actually showed up to run the race.  And you know who was part of that group who braved the elements?  Six of our FitTeens participants!  Six students who had never previously run a race. Six students who could have very easily went back to bed like nearly every other person signed up to run.  Six students who, 4 weeks ago, would not have even considered showing up to volunteer or watch, much less to run the race.  And, this wasn’t even the best part!

After Kevin led a FitWit warm-up in the crammed cafeteria, the FitTeens, (Saundra, Emily, Kristen, Dominik, Manal, and Faetia) all paired with FitWitters (Michele Rothstein, Sinead Younge, and Collen Beard), headed to the start line.  The gun went off and our six students slogged through the cold, wet Decatur streets without stopping.  No one quit, no one complained.  But here’s what did happen:

• With great determination, Dominik (running with Michele R.) crushed the race finishing 3rd in her age group (ages 15-19).  That is the high-school age group that included several varsity athletes who also ran in the race.

• 

  Very quietly, Kristen raised her hand that she wanted to run. Shocked by her independent interest, her dad joined her and ran the entire race next to her. He said the workouts she shares about each day are a motivation to him to keep in shape.

• Manal (a 4-year FitTeens participant) ran her first race.  She previously volunteered at the race for the last three years, but vowed that she would run it one day. This past Saturday she completed it with her elementary-age sister by her side.

• Pretending to be in Hawaii rather than the rain, Saundra pushed through the three miles and completed her first American race. As a foreign exchange student from Germany, her parents enjoy seeing what she is up to through the Foundation Facebook posts.

• With a nervous stomach, Emily ran next to a friend who was encouraging her through the first 2 miles.  But in the last mile, Emily said, “I think I can go faster” and the friend said to go on without her because she couldn’t keep up.  In that last mile, Emily kept repeating, “I’m going to finish.  I can’t believe I’m actually doing it.”

• Faetia, a very polite and mild manner girl, never thought she would be able to complete one mile, let alone three, when she began FitTeens.

    The coolest part was at the end, seeing the six girls high-fiving and hugging. Being all different ages and grade levels, none of these ladies chose to do the race “because their friends were doing it.” They all chose to take on a challenge they never thought they would be able to do. They all left the race with a gained sense of self-efficacy and accomplishment and they made a pact to wear their Tour DeCatur t-shirts to school on Monday. They also continued to talk about how they wanted to meet up to work out each week once the FitTeens program was complete.

The FitWit foundation was recognized by the Georgia Department of Public Health as a 2013 Partner Up! For Public Health Hero. This statewide award recognizes organizations that strive to improve the health of our communities. Read more about the award here and contribute to the Foundation here.

All the deets are on the FitWit.com website here.