Kohl’s Department Stores has provided a gift of $107,218 raised this year through its Kohl’s Cares® initiative to support the Brenner FIT Program at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Since 2004, Kohl’s has raised $1,142,202 to benefit Brenner Children’s through the sale of its Kohl’s Cares merchandise, such as exclusive children’s books and plush stuffed animals. The initiative benefits children’s hospitals across the country.
Kohl’s officials presented a check for this year’s amount Friday during the fourth-annual Brenner FIT Challenge at Wake Forest University’s Deacon Tower.
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 evening included a 1-mile fun run, a 5K run, and interactive areas for the entire family to have fun and learn about healthy living.
This marks the sixth 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 grateful for the continuing commitment from Kohl’s to extend this wonderful partnership that supports our efforts to improve the health of children and their families,” said Joseph Skelton, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics and director of Brenner FIT.
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.
In the past year, Brenner FIT has reached more than 36,000 people through its programs, been featured 43 times in regional and national media, taught more than 1,000 school children about healthy living, and conducted more than 100 community classes.
Media Relations
Eric Whittington: ewhittin@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-5318