Many of you have probably heard about Augie‘s Quest to Cure ALS, an organization created by Augie Nieto, who founded Life Fitness (see previous post called Augie Nieto's Book). Nieto was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2005, and he has devoted much of his life since then to find a cure for the disease. Much of the fitness industry has joined him in this effort through fundraising events at the past two International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) conferences.
Kevin McHugh, COO at The Atlantic Club in Manasquan, NJ, e-mailed me yesterday about a fundraising idea he and Patricia Laus, CEO at The Atlantic Club, have for those who can't attend the IHRSA conference to help in Augie's Quest. I thought it was a great idea, and it could go a long way in helping the organization.
The Atlantic Club is encouraging club owners and staff to create a one-day special event between Jan. 1 and March 7, 2008, to raise money for the cause (March 7 is the date of the Beach Bash for Augie‘s Quest at the IHRSA 2008 conference in San Diego). Ideas for an event to hold at your club are on the www.clubsforthecure.com Web site and include indoor (or outdoor) cycling events and other group exercise possibilities.
McHugh and Laus are hoping their effort will raise $3 million for ALS research.
Clubs who want to participate should go to the Web site to find out more, or contact Laus at (732) 292-4379 or [email protected]. --Pam