With a gift of $83,975 to the Brenner FIT childhood obesity program through its Kohl’s Cares initiative, Kohl’s Department Stores has now contributed more than $1 million to Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Kohl’s officials presented a check for this year’s amount Saturday during the third annual Brenner FIT Challenge at Wake Forest University’s Bridger Field House at BB&T Field.
The event, which is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity, raises money for Brenner FIT (Families In Training), and this year it included more than 300 participants and volunteers. The day included a 2.5-mile family fun walk featuring 13 physical and educational challenges that participants could tackle as they followed the course.
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 $1,034,984 to Brenner Children’s Hospital. This marks the fifth year that 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 extremely pleased that our partnership with Kohl’s continues to support our efforts to improve the health of children and their families,” said Joseph Skelton, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest Baptist and director of Brenner FIT.
“Our Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program allows Kohl's to proudly support children’s health and education initiatives across the country,” said Joseph Bechtel, district manager for Kohl’s. “The Brenner FIT Challenge promotes healthy and active lifestyles for families in the Winston-Salem area, and we look forward to building on the success of our partnership in the coming years.”
Brenner FIT is one of the nation’s most comprehensive programs for combating childhood obesity. The program is a family-centered, evidence-based approach to weight management, structured on research-proven methods to improve the 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 work with individuals and families who participate in the program.
Brenner FIT has reached more than 10,000 participants in the past year alone through its clinics, educational presentations and outreach programs.
Media Relations
Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318