LEAN MEAN NON PROFIT MACHINE MEETS 2015
After receiving our non-profit determination from the IRS, we rolled up our sleeves and committed to serious community impact while focusing on the “fun” in fundraising. In our inaugural year, we raised significant dollars allocating proceeds to a number of health-related charities. We danced, boxed, jogged, cycled and stretched to benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cancer Support Community, American Diabetes Association, Paws 4 Healing and UCLA Foundation for Geriatric Research and Dementia.
We also raised funds for qualified individuals including a 2-year-old girl, Kylie Elizabeth Rowand who lost her battle with Neuroblastoma, the most aggressive pediatric cancer on February 7th. Our Director of Movement and Sound, Caryn Mower taught a sweat-drenched cardio-kickboxing class with Stevenson Fitness owner, Chris Stevenson raising dollars and awareness for Kylie’s family. Devastated by Kylie’s recent passing our local fitness community played a small role with the millions who supported through the “Prayers For Kylie Community”. We all know that our little angel is dancing, singing and laughing in heaven after fighting life’s toughest battle. Rest in Peace Kylie. You continue to steal our hearts.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH; VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR MANDY DUENAS
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FAMILY AFFAIR
Hair stylist extraordinaire Mandy Duenas is always happy to lend a helping hand. Perpetually collecting a database of volunteers who help at our many live events, she enthusiastically attends our board’s marketing committee meetings always finding ways to support the cause. When her dad, Rick Maina suffered severe complications from Type 2 Diabetes, Fit 4 The Cause pulled together one of its first events raising money for his hospital fund. You can check out her sister Danielle Maina’s nutrition blogs here. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Mandy at volunteer@fit4thecause.org
SUPPORT YOUR MUDDER
FIT 4 THE CAUSE AND STEVENSON FITNESS GET DOWN AND DIRTY
Boo-rah! Nearly 100 participants registered for this year’s World Famous Mud Run at Camp Pendleton on Sunday, June 14th. Between gym members and business associates, Fit 4 The Cause and Stevenson Fitness raised nearly $7200.00 for the U.S. Marines through registration fees. Thanks to board member Chris Woo, teams and individuals can create sponsorship pages through the Group Rev Fundraising System. The web pages are easy to create and market through social media platforms and email campaigns. Family members, colleagues, friends and local businesses love to support runners for a cause. Click on the Fit 4 The Cause Mud Run site and get started!
THERE’S GONNA BE A PARTY TONIGHT
Miracle of Movement Gala Booked September 19th
We hope you join us as a Sponsor at Fit 4 The Cause’s Miracle of Movement Gala on Saturday, September 19th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., at the newly renovated Sheraton, Agoura Hills ballroom. At this memorable soiree, we pay tribute to special individuals who are committed to smashing obstacles: an author and motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and a young woman who is recovering from her recent breast cancer battle. FOX Sports Talk Broadcaster Tomm Looney will reinforce this theme by interviewing pro-athletes and other notables who will talk about “smashing obstacles”. The evening promises to be one of inspiration, celebration and surprises including a recital featuring Ballet For All Kids, a non-profit organization receiving proceeds from this Gala. There are many sponsorship options and levels available and the enclosed material provides details of the various sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cindy Rakowitz or Dee Levy. As a Gala Sponsor, you will not only help us pay tribute to our honorees, your donation will allow us to continue to provide diverse physical education while raising dollars and awareness for other health needs. Additionally, your donation will fund group exercise programs tailored specifically for special needs individuals allowing them to benefit through movement and fully enjoy life.
On a related note, Fit 4 The Cause will be the featured charity of the month with lobby displays at the Sheraton, Agoura Hills in March and August 2015.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
As we continue adapting to changing healthcare provisions, we know one thing for sure. We are not going to change the new system—the system is going to change us. Frustrated by the new mandates, we wonder if it is all pain and no gain.
In a recent statement, Treasury Secretary Lew says taxpayers will have to report their health insurance status on their 2014 tax returns. We see Covered California television ads reinforcing that the law now requires us all to have health insurance.
The polarized debates are endless, however like it or not 2015 is the year that Americans have to accept the realities of our changing healthcare system.
Fitness educators continue to analyze the benefits. A recent article published by American Council on Exercise shares how fitness professionals in particular can play an important role.
The Conejo Valley’s newest non-profit organization FIT 4 THE CAUSE embraces preventative healthcare and will continue to rollout public physical education programs to reinforce healthy lifestyle habits while raising money and awareness for health needs and special populations. Our philanthropic formula blends concentrated energy, music and community providing a unique educational experience complementing the traditional gym workout.
Want to support? Shop through Amazon Smile and choose Fit 4 The Cause as your charity.
Here’s to a healthy routine in 2015.
