Some Case Studies
Healthworks. Healthworks Clubs in Boston, Mass., is a commercial club company that committed to a cause other non-profits rejected as too expensive and too much of a cash drain.
The four-facility company created a foundation to assist needy women and children by building a fitness center in the disadvantaged Dorchester, Mass., area. At this women’s shelter, both women and children can use fitness equipment, group exercise rooms and fitness services for free. Healthworks donates money to the cause; its members and staff also contribute.
The Claremont Club.The Claremont Club, Calif., also gives back to its community. It started by donating 228 new pairs of tennis shoes to financially disadvantaged children in the local school district.
Later, it provided 66 scholarships for summer camps for disadvantaged youth, and they have now allocated 106 slots for this summer. Over the years, the local school district has been the beneficiary of a constant flow of used and reconditioned fitness equipment.
The Claremont Club also provides up to 50 full membership scholarships to those in the community suffering from serious illness, and to those in families who have suffered recent deaths to parents.
Twelve needy youths with talent in tennis and swimming are provided scholarships. And all 200 staff each made a difference in the community last winter holiday season; some “adopted” families through the Red Cross, fire or police departments or churches, and the facility’s day spa staff provided complimentary services to the homeless.
Gold’s Gym. A four-club Gold’s Gym franchise has contributed to more than 21 different causes, including the Boys and Girls Clubs; the American Heart Association; the local Children’s Hospital; local elementary, middle and high schools; Against Drunk Driving;a local orphanage; breast cancer awareness; and minority and gay/lesbian non-profit organizations.