By Amanda Boston
Ready, Set, Go! On Saturday, September 30 at 7:30 a.m., runners can lace up their sneakers for the first annual FX Fitness Race To Help End Hunger.
The 5K race takes place outside the FX Fitness Studio in Brandon. Owner Drew Preiss is pumped to pair his passion for fitness with feeding the less fortunate. “I enjoy helping other people, that’s why I got into the fitness industry to begin with. And now to have this opportunity, it is a huge blessing,” said Preiss.
Preiss linked up with Feeding Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization that acts as a large food bank for frontline food dispensing organizations. It helps replenish the local pantries in soup kitchens, mobile food trucks, Boys & Girls Clubs and churches. Preiss revealed he was shocked to discover that more than 700,000 people in the Tampa Bay area are food insecure—meaning they are unable to obtain enough food because of limited finances.
After hearing the alarming statistic, Preiss felt compelled to step into action by organizing a charity race. “I’ve always wanted to put together a race but didn’t know where to start. I am excited to have the support of my studio members. I hope to make an impact on my members and the community.”
In addition to the race, FX Fitness Studio is collecting non-perishable food donations that may be dropped off at his studio in Brandon. He also has set up a website for monetary donations that can be found at www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/fx-fitness-race-to-end-hunger2. For the three highest amounts donated, Preiss will contribute free unlimited membership monthly packages for one, three and six month intervals.
To register, visit www.active.com and search FX Fitness Race To End Hunger. Early registration is $20 per runner, which includes a shirt. The studio and race start is located at 932 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For information, visit the studio’s Facebook page @FXFitnessStudio. To find out more about Feeding Tampa Bay, visit www.feedingtampabay.org.
