On February 6, 2020, the Get in Gear Fitness Series presented $35,000 to ten Northeast Arkansas charities from the funds raised by fitness events from the past year.
The Get in Gear Fitness Series was created as a partnership between St. Bernards Healthcare and Gearhead Outfitters in 2016 and Arkansas State University joined as a presenting sponsor this past year with the goal of educating and promoting participants on healthy living and raising money for non-profit organizations that promote a healthy lifestyle.
The charities receiving funds are:
- $5,000 to City Youth
- $5,000 to the St. Bernards NICU
- $5,000 split between Brookland Elementary, International Studies, and Blessed Sacrament
- $5,000 to the Cancer Medical Exercise Program
- $2,500 to NEA Humane Society
- $2,500 to Christmas at the Park
- $5,000 to the Heart Phase III Medical Exercise Program
- $5,000 to Rock Steady Boxing
The Get in Gear Fitness Series is so important to our region because it promotes healthy living to the communities of Northeast Arkansas and Southern Missouri while raising money for worthy local charities. Because our region has especially high levels of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, we hope to change the public perspective and knowledge on these life-threatening and preventable illnesses.
The Get in Gear Series features events including 5K races, an indoor triathlon and endurance challenges, all with the purpose of promoting health and exercise and educating participants on healthy eating, daily exercise, and preventative healthcare. There is something for everyone at any fitness level. All of this could not be possible without our incredible sponsors from 2019, Southern Eye Associates, Outpatient Surgery Center, Snider Performance Spine, Centennial Bank, Premium Refreshment, Associated Radiologists, Natural Grocers, East Arkansas Broadcasters, Mr. Trophy, and St. Bernards Women's Council. It also takes a tremendous amount of work to put on the events, and it couldn't be possible without hundreds of volunteers.
To participate in the Get in Gear Fitness Series or to become a sponsor, visit getingearseries.com.
St. Bernards Healthcare, a non-profit health system based in Northeast Arkansas, serves as the corporate parent of a number of healthcare entities, including the largest hospital in the region, St. Bernards Medical Center, a 438-bed acute care hospital that serves as a regional referral center for 23 counties in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. It is the only Level III Trauma Center in the region, includes a brand new four-story surgical and intensive care services tower, houses the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the eastern part of Arkansas and has served as the trusted provider of comprehensive, compassionate healthcare services for 119 years. For more information, please visit stbernards.info or call the St. Bernards Healthline at 870.207.7300.