Charity

A Sweet Way to Support Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April 8, 2013 at 3:45 pm
By Colleen Moody

The next time you get the itch for a sweet treat, cave in for a good cause. In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month (FYI: One American is diagnosed every nine minutes), Magnolia Bakery has teamed up with the Michael J. Fox Foundation on a limited-edition cupcake, available online and sold in stores throughout April. For $1.75, you can support the MJFF and Parkinson’s disease research for new treatments and ultimately–a cure.

To purchase a cupcake, visit magnoliabakery.com or stop by a Magnolia Bakery near you. To learn more about the MJFF, visit michaeljfox.org.

More from FITNESS: A New Way to Get Inspired to Race This Spring

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SoulCycle on the High Line to Benefit Friends of the High Line!

April 8, 2013 at 10:09 am
By Jenna Autuori

Spring has sprung! New York City is finally seeing some sunlight and warm temps this week—and what better way to celebrate than with SoulCycle and Friends of the High Line on Thursday night. If you’ve ever visited Manhattan, you know that one of the must-see stops on the tourist to-do list is checking out the new and improved High Line. Quick history lesson: Back in the mid-1800′s the High Line was a railway that ran on the lower west side of the city delivering meat, produce and raw goods throughout the Meatpacking District. But over time as trucking became the more widely used mode of transportation for manufacturers the High Line stopped running as frequently and was overcome by grass, weeds, shrubs and trees. During Manhattan’s reformative years of the 1990′s, many lobbied for the High Line to be demolished as it was becoming an overgrown sight for sore eyes. Thankfully, Friends of the High Line saw this 1-mile stretch as an opportunity for an unique urban project that could one day become a linear park—a walking greenway for locals to enjoy and hopefully add to the many charms of New York City.

Friends of the High Line advocated for preservation of the land and in June 2011 the 1-mile redesign of the High Line as we know it today was complete. This Thursday, April 11, Soul Cycle and Friends of the High Line have teamed up for a once-in-a-lifetime event to honor this rare beauty in our bustling city. Tickets start at a hefty $500 but all proceeds will be donated back to the Friends of the High Line to help keep the park clean, plants beautiful, and continue the widespread free activities that go on throughout the year. The 6:30 PM class is taught by master instructors Laurie Cole and Stacey Griffith, so you’re in for a double treat.

I can’t remember what it was like before the High Line, when on nice days my husband and I would read the paper and drink coffee on the many lounge chairs Friends of the High Line have provided us. Or when I have visitors in town and the High Line isn’t the first stop on our must-see trip—it always is. Spots like the beautiful High Line in New York City are hidden gems and bring so much happiness to anyone who has an opportunity to visit.

For more info and to register for a bike, visit SoulCycle on the High Line to Benefit Friends of the High Line! See you there!

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Jennie Garth on Giving Back, Weight Loss Secrets and Staying in Shape

March 7, 2013 at 4:30 pm
By Colleen Moody

Have you ever walked into a Lindt store before? I had not, until this week when I went to go see actress Jennie Garth kick off the Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction to raise funds for Autism Speaks. Let me tell you, it is a deliciously terrifying place if you have a sweet tooth. The walls are covered with chocolate, not to mention the gold bunnies that basically spoke to you as soon as you walked in the door. (I swear one of them whispered to me that I could take all their chocolate ears and no one would care). But luckily, watching Garth sign her bunny and looking more in shape than ever was enough motivation to keep me from ransacking the walls. Below, Garth chats with us on her latest fitness routine, weight loss tricks and how she stays in shape.

What made you decide to get involved in the Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction this year?
I have three daughters and Easter is a big family time holiday for us. It’s also a valuable time to tell them about the importance of giving back, so partnering up with Lindt for this is just something I can really feel good about.

What’s your fitness routine like these days?
I’m really into hiking and jogging with my dog right now. I recently got a really big dog and he needs exercise all the time, so that is something that is new for me. I work out in a gym with a trainer two to three days a week on top of that. Read more

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A New Way to Get Inspired to Race This Spring

March 5, 2013 at 2:27 pm
By Colleen Moody

Brr! It might be the first week of March, but it feels more like December. One way FITNESS editors stay motivated through the winter is to sign up for a spring race (or races, for that matter!). On top of beating our seasonal blues, a new campaign started by She’s the First, a not-for-profit that sponsors girls’ educations in developing nations has got us more fired up than ever.

From March 1 to June 30, sign up at shesthefirst.org/RunSTF and get placed on a virtual “Run the World” map and create an online fundraising page. Then, ask your friends and family to match your miles or minutes for your race (for example, $13.10 if you’re running the MORE/FITNESS Magazine Half-Marathon!). You can also connect to the She’s the First Trailblazers Facebook page, so you can cheer and be cheered on as you all train for your races and raise money for a good cause! Don’t want to go at it alone? Grab some friends and start a team, plus tweet your progress with the hashtag #RunSTF for some social support. Once you finish training for your marathon, half-marathon, or bevy of spring 5Ks, you’ll be able to check back at the site and see how much your training and charity efforts helped school-aged girls all around the world. Oh yeah, and your body will be beach-ready, too. That’s a win-win in our book!

More from FITNESS: Find a Race in Your Area to Sign Up For!

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Fitness Gala 2013: Sweating for a Good Cause

February 4, 2013 at 3:49 pm
By Colleen Moody

Sure, we love dressing up as much as the next gal–but when we’re asked to go to a red carpet event in our spandex and sneakers, it’s pretty much a fitness editor’s dream come true. And that’s exactly what we did this weekend at the Fitness Gala 2013, benefitting Mariska Hargitay’s charity, the Joyful Hearts Foundation.

Between mingling with stars like Smash‘s Megan Hilty, who hosted the event, celebrity bartender Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing (and yup, he’s as hunky off-screen as he is on) and noshing on healthy and delicious bites from celebrity chef and author of Cook Yourself Sexy Candice Kumai, we were in healthy living heaven.

But let’s not forget about the workout! Dasha Libin, creator of Kettlebell Kickboxing led a 45-minute master class for over 100 women who were excited to squat and swing to take a stand against sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. True story: There was even a Gangnam Style-inspired move. Check out some pictures from the event below.

 

Read more

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Jane Krakowski Talks Giving Back, Busy Holidays and Exercise

December 20, 2012 at 10:00 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

With everything going on this time of year, we can sometimes forget the most important part of the holidays–giving back. That’s what 30 Rock‘s Jane Krakowski is doing with the help of Bank of America, who will be donating this season to Feeding America, which supports hunger relief in the U.S. Jane made the first donation using the mobile transfer function on Bank of America’s mobile banking app, while chatting with us about her holiday plans and her post-baby fitness secrets!

How do you stay organized during the busy holiday season?

I’m still trying to figure that all out. I do a lot of multitasking and things at odd hours of the day and night. I’ll take a nap then wake up at midnight to write Christmas cards. It’s a lot but it’s also a fun time of the year and we’re looking forward to making Christmas special this year.

We heard that you’re hosting your first Christmas, what are you doing to prepare for it?

I haven’t gotten to the preparing part yet. My fiancé and I are going to be those people at the stores shopping on Christmas Eve because of the 30 Rock finale. We’re shooting around the clock right now. So there will be many last minute preparations, but that’s fine because it’s just family members. He’ll be doing most of the cooking so my relatives are in good hands, they won’t have to eat my cooking. Read more

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Mia Hamm’s Timesaving Workout Tricks and Best Christmas Gift Ever

December 6, 2012 at 10:55 am
By Colleen Moody

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but when you have twin girls who are almost 6 years old and a son under one like retired soccer star Mia Hamm, busy takes on a whole new meaning. To help keep in mind the spirit of the season, Hamm still found the time to team up with Dick’s Sporting Goods Gifts That Matter campaign, to celebrate giving gifts that help inspire future athletes. We chatted with Hamm on her most memorable gifts, her go-to holiday workouts and how she plans to beat stress this month.

Do you have a gift that mattered most in shaping you as an athlete?

When I was 11 years old I got my first pair of real leather cleats, which in my mind made me a real soccer player. It inspired me to keep with the sport and work harder to get to that next level. That’s why I was so excited about this campaign, because sporting gifts like that can make a real difference. It seems like such a little thing, but to a kid something so simple like that makes their world. I also love the idea behind this campaign because in the spirit of giving, Dick’s Sporting Goods will also make a contribution to the Mia Hamm Foundation this month, so we can help out underprivileged children as well.

We just wrapped up our gift guides, and our readers told us the best gifts they’ve ever gotten. What’s a great gift you’ve received recently?

After the birth of our third child, my husband was working and traveling a lot. For two or three months he hired a woman to come in for three to four hours to cook our meals for the week. Everything was healthy and organic and it took a lot of pressure off of me and let me spend quality time with our kids. That was really great. Read more

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Calling All Ultra Athletes! Run the US for a Good Cause

November 2, 2012 at 10:21 am
By Colleen Moody

Tired of tackling marathons and ready to take on a bigger fitness challenge? If you consider yourself an ultrarunner (as in, running 20 miles a day doesn’t make you woozy just thinking about it!), then you could be the perfect fit for The MS Run the US 2013 Relay, taking place April 16 through September 17, 2013.

But don’t worry; you don’t have to tag along for the whole thing! The relay will cover approximately 140 miles per runner over the course of six days to raise funds and benefit The National MS Society for MS research, a disease that affects 400,000 Americans. The course, starting in Los Angeles, CA and ending in NYC will mimic the 2010 trans-continental run the event’s founder, Ashley Kumlien, ran on behalf of her mother’s 30th anniversary of her fight against MS.

There are currently 14 Running Partner spots still open for various cities, so if you’re interested, visit msruntheus.com for more information and an application. Not quite up for the challenge? Check out the page to see how you can donate or volunteer when the relay comes to your town.

Now tell us: Have you ever done a run for charity? Which one?

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How Stacy Keibler Squeezes in a Workout…No Matter What

October 25, 2012 at 9:08 am
By Colleen Moody

Actress and former WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler has a busy social schedule. (But at least she’s got George Clooney as arm candy to go with her dress!) Whether it’s a gala, charity affair or an awards show, she seems to be always on the go. Which makes us wonder, how does she find the time to look so darn good? We chatted with Keibler at–you guessed it–an event as she helped launch the Valspar Love Your Color Guarantee Project, which is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to donate $1 up to $50,000 by virtually painting houses through the Valspar Facebook page (through November 7). Read below to see why Keibler got involved in the project and how she manages to stay fit with her jet-setting schedule.

What made you decide to be a part of the Valspar Love Your Color Guarantee Project and Habitat for Humanity initiative?

I’ve actually done a build with Habitat for Humanity, which was a rewarding experience for me. What I love about the Love Your Color Guarantee Project from Valspar is that not only if you don’t love your color that you’re putting up in your house they will guarantee a replacement color for you, but they are also going to give $21 million in cash and paint to Habitat for Humanity, so it’s an amazing partnership all around.

Read more

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Women Celebrate Life with LUNAFEST Film Festival

September 27, 2012 at 4:17 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Have you ever felt the urge to watch a film that’s all about women and everything we have to deal with simply because of our gender? The movies that are created by women, for women, sometimes know exactly how to tug at our heart strings and remind us that we’re not the only ones going through something with major impact. And LUNAFEST wants to help remind women that those films are out there, ready to be watched. In fact, if you’re in San Francisco, you can start watching nine new films with these messages tonight at the 12th annual LUNAFEST kickoff event!

LUNAFEST is a traveling film-festival that hosts award-winning short films created by, for and about women. This year’s flicks center around hope, humor and reflection. Sound like your cup of tea, but you’re not anywhere near San Francisco? That’s OK! Women can host their own festival throughout October. And if you do, you’ll get a double-dose of warm fuzzies: all events hosted throughout October help raise money and awareness for the Breast Cancer Fund.

If the urge strikes past October though, you haven’t missed your opportunity. LUNAFEST travels to over 150 cities to raise funds for local non-profits. Do a good deed while watching an inspiring movie? Now that’s a night we don’t want to miss.

Visit the LUNAFEST website for more information on where the festival will travel to and how you can get involved.

More from FITNESS:

Gear Up For A Good Cause: 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Products

Skydiving Fit Females Create ‘Pink Skies’ in Documentary

Prevent Breast Cancer At Any Age

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