A continuing initiative by Kohl’s Department Stores to promote the health of children and their families has provided more than $100,000 this year to the Brenner FIT Program at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Kohl’s officials presented a check for $106,575 during the second annual Brenner Walk and Bike Race on Saturday at Old Salem. The event, which is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity, raises money for Brenner FIT and this year included more than 300 participants and volunteers.
Each year, Kohl’s directs proceeds from the sale of its Kohl’s Cares merchandise, such as exclusive children’s books and plush stuffed animals, to children’s hospitals across the country. Since 2004, the company has contributed more than $951,000 to Brenner Children’s Hospital. For the past four years, proceeds from the Kohl’s Cares initiative at the company’s five stores in the Piedmont Triad have been directed to Brenner FIT.
“We are very proud of our partnership with Kohl’s and extremely grateful for the company’s continued support of our efforts to improve the health of children and their families,” said Joseph Skelton, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and director of Brenner FIT.
“Presenting this year’s grant during the Brenner Walk and Bike Race was a perfect opportunity for us. Kohl's is proud to support children’s health and education initiatives nationwide through our Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program, and the Brenner Walk and Bike Race promotes healthy and active lifestyles for families in the Winston-Salem area,” said Joseph Bechtel, district manager for Kohl’s. “We look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.”
Brenner FIT is one of the nation’s most comprehensive programs for combating childhood obesity. It uses a family-centered, evidence-based approach to weight management, and relies on the latest in research-proven methods to improve the weight and health of children and their families.
The program includes the whole family in the treatment process, and focuses on changing habits and behaviors, rather than simply promoting diets and exercises. A team of pediatricians, behavioral counselors, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and exercise specialists works with individuals and families who participate in the program. In total, Brenner FIT has reached more than 10,000 people through its clinics, educational presentations and outreach programs.
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