To continue the spirit of giving back to the local community, Houston Fitness Partners concluded their latest fundraiser, Miles for Change. From May 1-12, Houston-area Planet Fitness^® clubs donated $1 for every mile gym goers walked, jogged or ran inside a participating location. The fundraiser aimed to raise money for Kids’ Meals, a nonprofit organization aiming to end childhood hunger in Houston. When it was all said and done, a total of $5,000 was raised and donated to Kids’ Meals. The funds will go toward providing healthy meals for those in need for the entire summer.

Kids’ Meals emphasizes the heightened importance of summer donations, as kids are home for the summer and without access to school-provided meals. The organization describes the need for funds during this time as especially critical. The nonprofit organization is hoping to donate 20,000 meals this summer, with a $2 per meal cost.

In an effort to expand the initiative to greater heights, Planet Fitness joined forces with the Houston Astros, a Major League Baseball team, for a promotional night at the ballpark. Fans who attended the game on May 12 at Daikan Field were encouraged to take part to raise additional funds for the cause. Treadmills were set up around the ballpark and allowed fans the opportunity to walk and raise even more money.

The Astros also selected Kids’ Meals as their Share2Care recipient for the evening. A total of $18,729 was raised that evening for Kids’ Meals. The Share2Care initiative was started by The Astros Foundation as a means to raise money and awareness for local efforts happening across the greater Houston area.

The franchise group’s initiative wrapped up with a Preview Party at the group’s Maplewood location. A treadmill was set up in the parking lot to encourage the local community to make one final push to raise funds for the fundraiser. As the fundraiser concluded, it was a great reminder that every step makes a difference.