I just wanted to try and explain what we're doing and why we're doing this and for who.

The "WHO"

Have you ever met anyone, who simply put, was a beacon of light? Well, let me introduce you to Jared. Almost 6 years ago, Lee (Jared's Father) contacted me about signing his son up at the gym. Anytime fitness had closed down, and Jared was needing somewhere to workout. Lee was a little nervous about a new place due to his son's "medical conditions" , I believe is how he put it. I assured him all would be ok and convinced him to bring in Jared and check the gym out. Well, long story short, Jared liked the Gym and he's been a member The Body Shop Gym for almost 5 years now. His "medical condition" is Down Syndrome.

Over the last few year, I've had the pleasure of interacting with Jared, watching him interact with my wife, my daughters, my grandkids and the members of the The Body Shop Gym as well. I've watched him change people's lives. I've watched him bring members of the Gym closer. How you may ask? Easy. It wasn't anything he did that was so special......it's simply WHO HE IS that is special.

He loves everyone that walks through the Gym's front door, whether he knows you or not, and greets everyone with a "Hey Buddy!" as soon as they enter. Members who were simply acquaintances, are now friends. Because of Jared. Conversations between members went from a simple. "hey" to a "how's your knee doing? How's your family?"

He see's the world the way I wish I could. No matter what is going on, it's a beautiful day. He loves unconditionally, smiles all the time, lives in the moment and is brutally honest....just like a child.

 

The "WHY"

Unfortunately, over the last few years, I've also witnessed Jared's health decline. He has slowed down. I mean really slowed down. (He will be 47 this year) Simply getting from the car to the front doors of the Gym is a task. He is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers and they believe multiple personality disorder as well. Because of the impact he's had on myself, my family and members of the gym, we've decided to give back.

 

The "WHAT"

Jared loves motorcycles, hot rods, muscle cars and food. So, I couldn't think of a better way to give back, than to have a Car Show, Cruise and Cookout Fundraiser for him and his family!