On Saturday, April 1, nine Anchor Management Group employees volunteered at The Miracle League of Wilmington’s baseball games at Brax Stadium Miracle Field in Wilmington, North Carolina. The volunteers buddied up with the Miracle League players who have physical and mental disabilities and assisted them with running, hitting, throwing and catching.

“Our main objective was not only to assist, but also to encourage, motivate and cheer them on,” said Reid Wolfe, regional manager for Anchor Management Group. “I dressed up as Homer, the mascot, which I think was the most fun of all. I danced, high-fived and hugged many of the participants throughout the day.”

Any person with a disability, age 4 and up, is eligible to play Miracle League baseball. The specialized field is made of a flat, rubberized surface and is barrier free for players using wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices.

“The Miracle League and Planet Fitness^® are a perfect fit, combining our Judgement Free Zone^® philosophy with the fun of helping provide a great day of baseball for those in our community,” Reid added.

In addition to assisting and cheering on the 80 Miracle League players, the Planet Fitness volunteers also passed out free PF^® T-shirts and water bottles.

“We were so thrilled to have Planet Fitness joining us as buddies at the Miracle League,” said Jennifer Bell, executive director of ACCESS of Wilmington Inc., which operates Miracle Field. “Planet Fitness shares our same mission of promoting health for all, and we are grateful that their employees are dedicating time to encouraging our athletes. Volunteers are crucial to The Miracle League of Wilmington, and this community has definitely shown our families that Wilmington cares.”

Pablo Laredo, general manager of the Monkey Junction Planet Fitness location, discovered the rewards of volunteering are exponential.

“I headed into the day just hoping I could make an impact on at least one kid, but when walking around with Homer, I could see that our presence was putting smiles on the faces of the entire group,” Laredo said.

“Our goal is to continue to pursue our relationship with the Miracle League and its positive impact on disabled individuals and their families,” Wolfe added.

Anchor Management Group provided the volunteering club with $200 to use toward a group outing.