Fit Kids News
For Openers...
The only thing that approaches the joy of seeing scores of children smiling, laughing and sweating their way through a Fit Kids class at one of our near-by Innovation Sites (above) is receiving heart-felt thanks and testimonials from one of our far-flung partners.

Such a gift arrived early for the holidays in the form of this email from Omar Rinon, a PE teacher who implements Fit Kids at the Kayne Siart Campus of Los Angeles' Camino Nuevo Charter Academy: "The kids especially love the different obstacle courses/relay races and PE games. Some of my students (especially my 3rd-5th graders) are actually coming to me the next day saying that they were sore, which is great for them!

"I really love the curriculum and I’m going through it lesson by lesson. I love what you are trying to promote with Fit Kids, and it's definitely showing in my classes. Thanks again!"

Thanks to you, too, Omar! You and the many other teachers, coaches, and volunteers who implement the Fit Kids program offer great gifts to thousands of children!
Shop at MÉLANGE to Support Fit Kids
 Just in time for holiday shopping, Chandan Allen invites you to her MÉLANGE clothing store at Stanford Shopping Center, where 10% of proceeds from your purchase of bespoke fashion items will go to support Fit Kids!
Two New Members Join Fit Kids Board
Fit Kids welcomes two new members of its Board of Directors: Courtney Charney (above left), a Peninsula-based Realtor; and Chrissy Ginieczki (above right), chief operating officer of Title Nine Sports, Inc., a privately-held, woman-owned apparel retailer, specializing in versatile outdoor performance wear for women.

"Courtney and Chrissy are important additions to our board," said Fit Kids Founder Ashley Hunter. "I couldn't be happier, because they are both so vital to the communities we serve. Their joining us means great things for the growth of Fit Kids."
Rite Aid Grants $25,000 to Fit Kids
 The Rite Aid Foundation continued its giving to Fit Kids, awarding a $25,000 grant as part of the foundation's overall $5 million in giving to 233 non-profits.
 
“We very much appreciate the generosity of The Rite Aid Foundation,” said Fit Kids Founder Ashley Hunter. “As we strive to make our structured fitness program available to all children, it is so heartening to know that Rite Aid walks its talk in terms of improving children’s health and wellbeing.”
Courtney Bianchi -- who contributes yoga and mindfulness exercises to the Fit Kids curriculum and serves as co-president of Fit Kids Champs -- arranged the latest event for that group of Fit Kids supporters, titled "Family Yoga-Stretch, Strengthen and Svasana."

Recent knee surgery kept Courtney from leading the yoga class herself, so Narmina Sharifova took 13 guests through their paces at Mobius Fit. "This class was successful in providing a joyful place for families to spend healthy and happy quality time together," Courtney said, "and all the yoga blocks ended up in a tower at the end!"

Fit Kids Champs will conduct even bigger events in 2020. If you are not already a member, please join!
News You Can Use
Keeping tabs on media coverage of the health and fitness challenges facing our nation's youth, here are links to top recent reports and stories:

(Action for Healthy Kids blog)

(Active Schools)

(Gretchen Reynolds, "Phys Ed" Columnist, The New York Times )
Please Connect Us!
Do you know of a school or community organization that might want Fit Kids? We are always looking for introductions! Please share this video with them and help spread the word about our programs.
If you can connect us to interested schools or organizations, please email Fit Kids Marketing and Communications Consultant David Jacobson with your suggestions.