HAMPTON, N.H., Nov. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., announced today that together with its franchisees and members, it has raised more than $1 million for its nonprofit partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as a result of the Company's October membership sale. The annual fundraising effort, now in its second year, supports Planet Fitness' philanthropic initiative, The Judgement Free Generation™, which aims to prevent bullying and promote kindness.
Since 2016, Planet Fitness and its franchisees have donated nearly $3 million in support of the cause. As part of the program, the Company has funded first-of-its-kind anti-bullying and pro-kindness trainings for Boys & Girls Club staff and youth, recognized standout Boys & Girls Club teen leaders with scholarships for embodying the values of kindness and acceptance, engaged in ongoing volunteer efforts, and built welcoming gym spaces at Boys & Girls Clubs.
From October 2 – 13, Planet Fitness donated 100% of enrollment fees for every new member who joined a location in-club or online. During that time, existing members were also invited to make donations in-club.
"As a company, we are committed to doing our part to shape a world where everyone feels accepted and like they belong," said Chris Rondeau, Planet Fitness CEO. "For us, the phrase 'Judgement Free Zone' is not just a marketing tagline, it's a core value that we strive to embody through all aspects of our business. Our goal through this initiative is to empower youth to grow up contributing to a kinder, more judgement free planet, and we hope that this effort will positively impact their experiences not only today, but into the future."
"Providing kids and teens with inclusive, emotionally-safe spaces where they can be themselves is central to our mission," said Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark. "For kids and teens to recognize that they are deserving of great futures, they must love their Club experience and that starts with feeling engaged and supported. The partnership and funding from Planet Fitness has allowed us to provide Boys & Girls Club staff and youth with training and resources to shape cultures of kindness and acceptance in our Clubs."
Planet Fitness offers extremely low membership fees and a variety of benefits, including a high-quality fitness experience offered in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which it calls the Judgement Free Zone®, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully-equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more.
To find a Planet Fitness club or learn more about the Judgement Free Generation, please visit PlanetFitness.com.
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2017, Planet Fitness had approximately 10.5 million members and 1,432 stores in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,300 Clubs serve 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.
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