Virtual Efforts Exceed $50,000 to Expand
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Active Plus Crowdfunding Campaign with Live Fitness Classes Raises Thousands for Diverse, At-Risk Youth
Virtual Efforts Exceed $50,000 to Expand
Free Health and Fitness Education in NYC
NEW YORK CITY (July 13, 2020) - Active Plus, which provides free health and fitness education in New York City, celebrated today the results of its virtual crowdfunding efforts in June, tied to the nonprofit’s five year anniversary. More than $50,000 was raised by grassroots donors supporting the vision that underserved, diverse youth should have access to nutrition and fitness coaching.
“Five years ago, Active Plus was founded to make a positive impact on youth especially in Harlem where 80 percent of the population is Black or minority. We have focused on exposing our students to health and fitness instructors that look like them and have had similar life experiences,” said Tarik Kitson, Executive Director. “I’m looking forward to keeping that commitment in the next five years, and I’m truly inspired by the support New Yorkers and others have shown us by connecting with us virtually and generously giving during this transformative time for New York.”
“We are thrilled to say we have exceeded our five year anniversary fundraising goal for the month of June. What started as a $10,000 plan to fund safe spaces for kids and teens to learn and practice health habits quickly grew into plans to double it. Ultimately, grassroots donors and our partners in the fitness industry continue to spread the word about the great work Active Plus is doing,” said Tara Chambers, Board Chair. “We cannot thank them enough for their support.”
Established in 2015, Active Plus leads sports and exercise programming for youth as well as nutrition and cooking classes for communities that have historically experienced disparities in health related outcomes, including obesity.
As individuals personally contributed to a GoFundMe benefitting Active Plus, several organizations provided support through donation-based fitness classes which energized community and cause. These live workouts - accessible online during the stay-at-home - included Harlem Cycle (June 2), obé Fitness (June 8), Beth Lewis Fit (June 13), Kukuwa Fitness LLC (June 17), Soji Fit (June 18) and Jonathan Chadwell LLC (June 24). obé Fitness class participants contributed to a separate GoFundMe that the company matched dollar for dollar.
To learn more about Active Plus and our partners, please visit activeplus-nyc.org.
About Active Plus:
Established in 2015, Active Plus educates school age children (and adults) to prepare them for a lifetime of health by disseminating information and skills relating to exercise, healthy food preparation, and obesity prevention. Fitness and nutrition instructors develop engaging routines in the classroom and online to encourage and nurture healthy lifestyles. Our vision is that every New Yorker, regardless of socio-economic status, should have access to high quality fitness and nutrition education.
Media Contact:
Tarik Kitson
