If you type in “Health Club” into Google’s news tab, the results you find could be disheartening. I’ve done it a few times this week for research purposes, and found stories highlighting lawsuits and sexual harassment cases, among other negatives news.
What’s sad about this is I don’t believe these search results present accurate representations of our industry. There are bad things that occur in every type of industry, but I think in our industry especially, the good almost always outweighs the bad — typically by a landslide.
This is never more evident than during the Holiday season. Thanksgiving is still a couple weeks away, but already I’ve been notified and heard of the generous ways many clubs are benefitting their local communities, and the U.S. as a whole.
For example, CrossTown Fitness in Chicago recently partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), a non-profit food distribution and training center, whose mission is to end hunger by providing and collecting food for hungry individuals. CrossTown Fitness will serve as the official drop-off location for GCFD, and individuals who drop off just one can of food will receive a complimentary CrossTown Fitness class. In addition, 10 percent of the proceeds earned from CrossTown Fitness’ “charity pack” will go to GCFD. The “charity pack” includes a 30-day class pass, holiday t-shirt and a protein shake.
On November 9, 2013, Sport&Health chose to benefit D.C.’s homeless veterans by raising money for Volunteers of America Chesapeake, to help the group meet its goal of raising $60,000 in donations. According to Sport&Health, in the DC Metro area, 15,000 people are homeless — and one third of those individuals are veterans. In 2012, Sport&Health raised $20,000 for the cause. *Stay tuned for a more in-depth article on this venture from Club Solutions’ staff writer, Ashley Scoby.
I could go on, as fortunately, these types of stories are plentiful. Not only does this type of news warm my heart, it also makes me proud to say that I’m involved in the health and fitness industry. As participants in the health club world, I encourage you to keep up the good work, and keep stories like this at the forefront of search engine results. Do you have a charity event going on at your club? Tell me about it at Rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com.
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
