During the week, more than 30 people come together to work out at the Noguchi Playground in Piedmont Park to make a difference to their health and to make a difference in their community. They take part in Boot Camp 4a Cause, an Atlanta-based boot camp program which donates all its proceeds to local charities.
Started in March 2010 by local trainers, Boot Camp 4a Cause initially grew as a way to give back to Piedmont Park. “We use the park almost daily, so we wanted to use the funds we raised to give back,” said BC4C co-founder Andrew Whitley.
The trainers expanded the giving back by allowing the boot campers to nominate local charities. Through nominations, Boot Camp 4a Cause has given back to organizations such as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Trees Atlanta, Camp Twin Lakes, Kate’s Club, and more. Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy, while the other 50 percent is distributed to other charities.
“It has been such a wonderful camaraderie and experience for Kate’s Club,” said Executive Director Emily Hawkins. “We have been able to provide 150 hours of therapy to children in our programs through the donations by BC4C.” Kate’s Club provides programs and therapies to children who have lost a sibling and/or parent.
In two years, the idea which was hopeful to donate $10,000 a year, has raised and donated more than $50,000. The money provided a reading mentor for 10 kids through Everybody Wins! Atlanta, 119 summer camp scholarships through Piedmont Park Conservancy, and more.
Boot camper Jenn Graham, whose charity Atlanta Bicycle Coalition received a donation from BC4C, added, “You are doing a boot camp to feel good about yourself physically, but in turn, you know that the money you are spending is also going to make a positive difference in your own community.”
To get involved with Boot Camp 4a Cause, visit www.bc4c.com
In Other News: On April 12, Georgia-based Rose Acre Farms donated 43,200 fresh eggs to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The donation is a part of the national effort put forth by United Egg Producers and Feeding America to donate 10 million fresh eggs to food banks nationwide.
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