When it comes to establishing relationships in its markets, Impact Fitness continually strives to create partnerships with local businesses and establishments in the communities where its 28 clubs are located. That’s why, when one of Impact’s local partners let the group know of South Bend Medical Foundation’s critical need for blood, the franchise group was quick to step up to the challenge. 

“We strive to make relationships and understand the communities where all of our locations are. Each club spends time researching their local area for the best opportunities to impact our communities,” said Regional Manager Rory Storrs. “We feel the events that we choose to sponsor are the best drivers of our communities. Our goal is to impact as many individuals as possible. Therefore, we feel our efforts to stay involved are felt and appreciated by our communities.” 

With plans to host blood donation drives at the Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana, PF® locations, Impact Fitness decided what better idea than to pair the event with Planet Fitness® Pizza Monday. Almost two dozen participants were able to donate blood to the South Bend Medical Foundation, and each location held a raffle drawing for a free six-month membership during the blood drives. 

“We are grateful to be able to help the community give the gift of life through this partnership, which is perfectly in line with our company focus on positively impacting lives,” said Adam Willaeys, CEO of Impact Fitness, in news coverage of the event. “We look forward to hosting more blood drives with South Bend Medical Foundation on an ongoing basis.” 

Impact Fitness’ event calendar for the remainder of 2019 is full, including another blood drive and the group’s events through the Boys and Girls Club such as Color 4 Kids, the Ainley Golf Outing, a BBQ & Brew Fest and a Fight for Parkinson’s bowling event.

“We are hoping that this blood drive partnered with Planet Fitness will give the opportunity to the Goshen area and other locations to help out the community in donating blood,” said Dasha Ogden, phlebotomist at South Bend Medical Foundation. “There is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can only be stored for a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed for our community.”