INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 16, 2009 – Once again, gymnastics clubs across the country put forth their best efforts to raise more than $140,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Since USA Gymnastics first partnered with Children’s Miracle Network in 2001, the organization has donated more than $1 million to the cause. Gym clubs and their members raised money as part of their celebrations for National Gymnastics Day through the Tyson Fitness Challenge, a joint initiative of USA Gymnastics and Tyson Foods that helps today’s kids get more physically fit through fun activities and raises money to help kids who are fighting illness at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals around the country.
“Young kids make an incredible difference when they work for those who really need it,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “The Children’s Miracle Network helps save the lives of kids every day, and USA Gymnastics appreciates everything the gymnastics community does with the Tyson Fitness Challenge and National Gymnastics Day to benefit such a worthwhile cause.”
The 2009 Tyson Fitness Challenge and National Gymnastics Day served as catalysts for the fund-raising efforts of the top club and individuals for the Children’s Miracle Network. Gymnastics World of Broadview Heights, Ohio, once again led the way, raising a total of $28,936.26 with the individual winner, Abby Villenauve, producing $7,250 of that total. Gymnastics World has been the top fundraising club for the last three years. The top three clubs and individual participants receive some prizes from AAI, Tyson, and USA Gymnastics. They will also be featured in both USA Gymnastics and Technique magazines in January.
The top three clubs and individuals that raised the most money for Children’s Miracle Network in 2009 are listed below.
Clubs
- Gymnastics World, Broadview, Ohio, $28,936.26, taking its seven-year total to $151,887.26
- Northern Elite, Flanders, N.J, $21,065.49
- John Macready’s and John Roethlisberger’s Flip Fest, Crossville, Tenn., $14,318.75
 Abby Villenauve |
Individuals
- Abby Villenauve, Broadview, Ohio, Gymnastics World, $7,250
- Mary Kate Cacchione, Flanders, N.J., Northern Elite, $6,050
- Emma Timblin, N.J., Northern Elite, $4,840
Established in 1999, National Gymnastics Day is a platform to showcase the many benefits of gymnastics, as well as promote the ideals of physical fitness and community service nationwide. USA Gymnastics and its gym clubs began raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network through National Gymnastics Day in 2001, and the Tyson Fitness Challenge became the fundraising platform in 2006. In 2008, USA Gymnastics broke the $1 million mark with a donation of $201,203, the most ever raised annually by the gym club community for Children’s Miracle Network.
Geared toward kids, ages 4-16, the Tyson Fitness Challenge is not about teaching gymnastics skills, but using gymnastics to help kids become more physically fit and to learn about a well-balanced diet. The culmination of the Tyson Fitness Challenge is voluntary participation in raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network. Participants and clubs obtain pledges for achieving a set number of elements in a specified time, whether it is fitness-related skills, cartwheels, flips, etc.
About Children’s Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Countless individuals, 90 organizations and 400 media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children each year. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.