The fitness industry raised $6,068,027 for research to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the 13th Annual Bash for Augie’s Quest last week.
The Bash, held March 23 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego as part of the IHRSA conference and trade show, is one of the fundraising efforts of Augie's Quest, a charity founded by Life Fitness co-founder Augie Nieto and his wife Lynne. Augie was diagnosed with ALS more than 13 years ago.
The money raised at the Bash will fund the clinical trial of AT-1501, a potential ALS treatment.
More than $4 million of the $6 million was raised by members of Orangetheory Fitness. From February 15 through March 8, more than 800 Orangetheory Fitness studios in North America ran a #IBurnForALS campaign. Members donated $1 for every minute they spent in the Orange Zone during their workout. On March 3, the company also hosted an Augie-thon in which the studios held 90-minute classes for members and non-members for a $25 donation. Last year, a similar campaign at Orangetheory raised $2.085 million.
During the Bash, a silent auction was held prior to dinner, and a live auction was held during dinner. Bash attendees also offered donations during the dinner. Gary and Diane Heaven, former owners of Curves International, Waco, Texas, gave a $100,000 donation. Bahram Akradi, CEO of Life Time Fitness, Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Jim Worthington, owner of Newtown Athletic Club, Newtown, Pennsylvania, donated $50,000 each.
Kevin McHugh, COO of The Atlantic Club, received the Leadership Award at the Bash for his fundraising efforts.
Natalie Morales, host of “Access Hollywood,” emceed the event while Bryan Bautista, who was a semi-finalist on season 10 of the NBC TV show “The Voice,” capped off the evening with a short concert.
A documentary about Augie and Lynne Nieto’s story became available on iTunes and Amazon on March 20.
Health clubs wanting to help raise money for the clinical trials of AT-1501 have additional opportunities to do so, including taking part in the Augie's Quest Myzone Challenge or Team Quest4ALS half marathon fundraisers.