Metro Detroit Planet Fitness locations banded together in a sea of purple to take part in a fantastically successful Make-A-Wish^® event May 7. The 18^th Annual Walk for Wishes Southeast Michigan was held at the Detroit Zoo. The fundraiser raised a staggering $490,000 overall to give children with life-threatening illnesses the chance to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of their choosing. This was the second year Planet Fitness^® ownership groups have participated in the walk and was also the second year PF^® was the lead sponsor for the event. Together, the Planet Fitness groups raised an incredible $41,605, plus an additional $25,000 provided for the sponsorship, benefiting the Make-A-Wish organization!

Planet Fitness was able to give 17-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient Nicole the chance to travel to Hawaii for a vacation.

The combined financial support will help ensure that the Make-A-Wish organization is able to grant life-changing wishes to 440 Michigan kids this year alone. Planet Fitness had two wishes granted in honor of the sponsorship; one for Nicole, age 17, who wished to go to Hawaii, and one for Arianna, age 9, who wished to have a shopping spree.

The sponsorship also gave Planet Fitness a sign with name and logo recognition at the start/finish line; inclusion in the event press release; a speaking and check presentation opportunity at the ceremony; social media mentions; the PF-logo on all event materials, shirts, sponsor banners, monthly newsletters and walker e-blasts; a table at the event; a PF-logo and link on the event’s site; eight signs featuring the PF-logo on the designated event route; and event day warm-ups lead by one of Planet Fitness’ trainers.

A total of 30 locations participated in the walk and included the following ownership groups and franchisees: Klebba Group owned by Chris Klebba, Indiana ADA owned by Ron Huling, PF Michigan Group owned by Bryan Rief and JACS Development LLC owned by Jim Matthews and Dennis Backos. Through the combined franchisees and their staff’s participation, Planet Fitness represented a total of 519 participants present at this year’s walk!

Planet Fitness had 519 participants attend this year’s Walk for Wishes in Southeast Michigan!

“All three of the Detroit Metro Planet Fitness ownership groups feel a special place in our hearts for these special children. Their optimism and positive nature is an inspiration, and we are happy to help in some small way,” said Chris and Ellen Klebba.