THE GYM recently hosted a successful fundraising drive to help raise money for disabled veterans through Homes For Veterans, a local charity based in Harrington Park, NJ.

The fundraising events included a push-up contest, with trainers and members participating in a friendly competition where funds were raised with every push-up. The fitness events and sales of “Support Our Troops” t-shirts raised over $3,400 for Homes For Veterans.

“Homes For Veterans thanks the veterans and all of the employees and members of THE GYM who participated in the fundraiser. Their team effort exemplifies how much Americans appreciate the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Doug DiPaola, President/CEO of Homes For Veterans.

In 2014, THE GYM raised $12,000, which went toward repairing the Newark, NJ home of Sgt. James Bellamy, reconstructing the front porch and providing him with safe and easy access to a mechanized wheelchair lift that was funded and installed by the Veteran’s Administration.

THE GYM was honored to help fund the renovations to Sgt. Bellamy’s home. “It was so nice to see what our fundraising events were able to do for Sgt. Bellamy, and we really look forward to helping another veteran through this year’s efforts, says Lisa Bruchalski, Group Fitness Director at THE GYM of Montvale.

The funds raised by THE GYM this time will be used to help former Marine Kyle Chappell of Morristown, NJ. After graduating from high school, Chappell enlisted in the Marines, serving for four years, during which he spent nine months each in Iraq and Afghanistan. In April 2015, Chappell was seriously injured in an accident, suffering injuries to his spinal cord and the loss of his leg.

“I’m proud to be part of THE GYM’s fundraiser to better the lives of our American patriots,” said personal trainer James Siletti of THE GYM. “As R.J. Heller wrote: In the aftermath, we are because they were.” Siletti served 22 years in the US Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant.