member news
Planet Fitness Walks for Wishes
M
etro Detroit Planet Fitness locations banded together in
a sea of purple to take part in a fantastically successful
Make-A-Wish® event May 7. The 18th Annual Walk for Wishes
Southeast Michigan was held at the Detroit Zoo. The fundraiser
raised a staggering $490,000 to give children with life-threatening
illnesses the chance to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of
their choosing. This was the second year Planet Fitness® ownership groups have participated in the walk and was also the second
year PF® was the lead sponsor for the event. Together, the Planet
Fitness groups raised an incredible $41,605, plus an additional
$25,000 provided for the sponsorship, benefiting the Make-AWish organization!
The combined financial support will help ensure that the
Make-A-Wish organization is able to grant life-changing wishes
to 440 Michigan kids this year alone. Planet Fitness had two
wishes granted in honor of the sponsorship; one for Nicole, age
17, who wished to go to Hawaii, and one for Arianna, age 9, who
wished to have a shopping spree. The sponsorship also gave
Planet Fitness a sign with name and logo recognition at the start/
finish line; inclusion in the event press release; a speaking and
check presentation opportunity at the ceremony; social media
mentions; the PF logo on all event materials, shirts, sponsor
banners, monthly newsletters and walker e-blasts; a table at the
event; a PF logo and link on the event’s site; eight signs featuring
Planet Fitness had 519 participants attend this year’s Walk for
Wishes in Southeast Michigan!
the PF logo on the designated event route; and event day warmups lead by one of Planet Fitness’ trainers.
A total of 30 locations participated in the walk and included
the following ownership groups and franchisees: Klebba Group
owned by Chris Klebba, Indiana ADA owned by Ron Huling, PF
Michigan Group owned by Bryan Rief and JACS Development
LLC owned by Jim Matthews and Dennis Backos. Through the
combined franchisees and their staff’s participation, Planet Fitness
represented a total of 519 participants present at this year’s walk!
2016 Issue 2 | GearedUp
“Their optimism and positive nature is an
inspiration, and we are happy to help in
some small way.”
8
- Chris and Ellen Klebba
Planet Fitness was able to give 17-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient
Nicole the chance to travel to Hawaii for a vacation.
“All of the Detroit Metro Planet Fitness ownership groups
feel a special place in our hearts for these special children. Their
optimism and positive nature is an inspiration, and we are happy
to help in some small way,” said Chris and Ellen Klebba.