Community Corner
Planet Fitness Holds Wounded Warrior Fund Drive
Hampton Bays gym seeks to raise money for wounded soldiers.
As you swipe your member card when you walk into Hampton Bays' , you will notice a large jar with an American flag affixed to the side.
The gym is currently engaged in a drive to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and hopes the jar will overflow.
"Our owner decided to take part in this to help take care of people once they come home," said Jennifer Valentino, manager of the Hampton Bays . "It will help them with extra expenses and the majority of the money goes right to them, not the departments."
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John Mahoney, the owner of Planet Fitness, has been in the gym business for seventeen years and actually owns three Planet Fitness gyms. His first was in Hampton Bays, converting a former World Gym, then Riverhead and Rocky Point. Mahoney is asking patrons in all three gyms to get involved by donating to a cause he is very passionate about and is matching dollar for dollar up to five hundred for every dollar donated.
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) was founded by a group of veterans and friends to help this generation of injured service men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The project uses comprehensive rehabilitative programs that take a mind and body approach, along with addressing economic empowerment and engagement.
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On June 25, Wounded Warrior Project is sponsoring Soldier Ride, on the North Fork to honor fallen soldier 1st Lt Joe Theinert, 1-71 Cav Banshee Troop, of Shelter Island.
The event consists of a 5k walk (within Greenport) and a 30-mile bike ride, beginning in Greenport, going west to Mattituck, then back to Greenport. The day starts at 7:30 a.m for sign-up in Mitchell Park. Opening ceremony is at 9 a.m.; cyclists begin at 9:30 a.m.; walk begins at 9:45 a.m. All followed by a post-ride barbeque for participants.
Soldier ride gives the general public a chance to take part in a cycling event, and the privilege to ride alongside military men and women who have sacrificed much. The event raises awareness and promotes a positive message of hope and recovery.
The Wounded Warrior Project's aim is that "this generation of wounded warriors" will overcome the physical and emotional effects of war and lead successful lives.
If you would like to cycle, walk or run to raise money you can register online at www.soldierride.org
If you can't make it over to the North Fork you can always walk right in to Planet Fitness and make a donation.
