[Editors' Note: This story was posted prior to the March 12 announcement that IHRSA 2020 has been canceled. The Bash for Augie's Quest was scheduled to be held at the IHRSA 2020 event.]
The 15th annual Bash for Augie's Quest to Cure ALS has been canceled due to growing concerns over the global coronavirus outbreak, Angel Moser, director of development at Augie's Quest, told Club Industry on March 11.
However, the Bash's auction—in which attendees attempt to outbid one another on travel and gift packages—is still being held virtually. (Registered sponsors and ticket holders can access the auction log-in interface here after receiving their credentials.) Bidding is now live and will remain open until 5 p.m. PST on March 23.
The 2020 Bash, titled "Rockin’ Through the Ages," was originally scheduled to be held March 20 in conjunction with the 39th annual International Convention and Trade Show of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). More than 800 guests were expected to attend. The 2019 Bash raised $1.87 million for the ALS Therapy Development Institute.
The event's namesake, Augie Nieto, is the co-founder of Life Fitness and the co-founder of Augie's Quest. Nieto was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in March 2005. He and his wife Lynne typically attend the annual Bash.
In an email statement, Nieto said the decision to cancel the Bash was heartbreaking but was made with the safety and well-being of all attendees in mind.
“Not only is [the Bash] our largest fundraising event every year, it’s a ‘family reunion’ where the entire fitness community, ALS friends and our incredible supporters come together to literally change the world,” Nieto said. “I look forward to IHRSA all year long. We are so blessed to be supported by you and to call you friends. Your coverage of our quest and the Bash makes a strong difference in our ability to be successful. I’m grateful to our fitness advisory council, to IHRSA and their board and [to] the incredible leaders who help us create the Bash and who have helped us navigate this past few days.”
Nieto also shared a video that was going to be shown at the March 20 Bash.
To make a general donation to Augie’s Quest, click here.
To view photos from last year’s Bash, click here.