House of Wellness staff holds Food Drive that benefits local communities
(Written by Sanford LittleEagle – Staff Writer)
On December 1, 2011 members of the Fitness Staff from the House of Wellness began accepting non-perishable food items from Guests who already use the House of Wellness facilities and to increase and gain new members.
Current H.O.W. members who donated a non-perishable food item or paper good received one month free, extended onto their current membership; if they donated in the month of December. New members who signed up for the Holiday promotion received 25 percent off any annual membership and by donating a non-perishable food item or paper good, received one additional month free. By donating 2 non-perishable food items, with 1 paper product, guests and prospects were able to enjoy a onetime promotion of a free two week pass. “Class Only” participants were able to enjoy a class of their choice if they donated one non-perishable food item or paper product.
Jodel Treetop, Fitness Specialist, who has been employed with the House of Wellness for almost as long as it has been open, took her time and really did a lot of good research that made the Food Drive very successful; not only from a promotional stand point, but from knowing specifically what the local food pantries would accept. After good communication with Fitness Staff, the donations began to roll in. Like many events, it was slow at first, but with great customer service and an option for prospective guests it was pretty much a bargain that very could pass on.
There has been somewhat of a fitness boom locally with competitors setting up prime locations in the Baraboo, Lake Delton and Reedsburg areas. However, those franchise locations close just as fast as they open; or until the next fitness craze kicks in. It is hard for other fitness centers to compete with the HOW, as they have so many amenities such as a variety of classes, an Olympic size lap pool, sauna, hot tub, therapy pool and children’s aquatic play area, and the gym in the fitness center is constantly updated to the most recent equipment.
The total weight of food donated and collected came to a grand total of 465.2 pounds. The Staff divided the food and will deliver to Baraboo and Lake Delton Food Pantries. A couple boxes were filled with household items like laundry soap and dish soap with personal hygiene toiletries, toilet paper, paper towels, and much more. There was also canned and dried foods that were donated to the Social Services department for a Ho-Chunk Family in need.
All together there were 85 Members, 43 Guests/Prospects (new members), and four HCN Employees who donated, equaling 132 donations received. Many donated multiple items and some brought in whole grocery bags full of goods.
The Fitness Center Staff would like to make this drive an annual one and hope to reach 500 pounds of food donations next year. From all the staff, it was a great experience!