'Get in the Action' benefit to raise obesity awareness and help families make healthy changes
DUPAGE COUNTY—DuPage County families interested in learning about how to prepare healthy meals, as well as tips on how to keep their kids active and healthy, are encouraged to buy a ticket to FORWARD's Get in the Action fundraiser, which will be held on Tuesday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook.
This fun-filled event will increase awareness of the dangers of obesity and raise funds for schools and communities that want to offer more recreational activities.
“This event will help DuPage County families learn about healthy food options and increase recreational opportunities,” said Linda Kurzawa, president of the DuPage County Board of Health.
Tickets for the Get in the Action fundraiser are $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.actionforhealthykids.org/party.
“I would encourage residents interested in healthy living to attend as this event will be unlike any other fundraiser you have ever attended,” said Ann Marchetti, director of FORWARD.
The fundraiser is sponsored by FORWARD (Fighting Obesity Reaching healthy Weight Among Residents of DuPage), an initiative of the DuPage County Health Department, and Action for Healthy Kids, the nation's leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by helping schools in DuPage County, and across the country, become healthier places. (Action for Healthy Kids launched Get in the Action in 2010.)
Marchetti added, “Those attending should come dressed to play and be ready to meet new partners committed to healthy living.” Rob Bisceglie, executive director of Action for Healthy Kids and a DuPage County resident, said, “We are glad to have so many DuPage County partners joining this effort to reverse the obesity trend.”
Fresh food from local farms, games, activities and healthy cooking demonstrations will be part of the evening. You can also meet Jerry and Estella Hayes, winners of NBC's Biggest Loser show in Season 7, who will host an entertaining activity called “Are You Fitter than a Fifth Grader?” Also attending will be Mike Robinson, former basketball player for the Utah Jazz, and Saran Dunmore, fitness club coach for NBC 5 in Chicago, will serve as emcee.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help DuPage County schools and communities fund projects, such as better playground equipment and improvements in school cafeterias.
For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.