Kids Gym Raises Money For Good Cause

By STEPHEN HAMMILL The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

WESTCHASE - As packs of young children rode the elevator to the second floor last weekend, they streamed into the My Gym play area and headed straight for the ball pit.

"Yeah, they love the ball pit. It's a prime attraction," said Mary Miller, owner of the My Gym Children's Fitness Center at 9572 Linebaugh Ave.

Later, the kids headed back downstairs to the bouncy castles and blaring music.

Open since November, the fitness center geared for babies, toddlers and preteens celebrated its first open house last weekend, part of a benefit for the My Gym Challenged America Foundation.

The foundation provides fitness programs to at-risk and physically-challenged children across the country, including cognitive and social growth services meant to raise self-esteem.

The more than 200 My Gym Children's Fitness Centers worldwide are linked to the charity by events such as the open house.

More than $1,000 was raised on the day.

"We're still counting," Miller said.

The family-friendly outdoor festival featured food, music, games and a kids fashion show.

Sharon Gipner of Citrus Park brought her 1-year-old son Ryan.

"We attend Gymboree now," she said. "We wanted to check out My Gym and see how they compared."

Miller said she hoped to register 25 kids on the day of the open house.

"We had 28 people come in and schedule guest classes," she said.

For each new member, the gym will donate $5 to the My Gym Challenged America Foundation.

Miller dubbed the day a massive success.

"It's going to make a huge difference to the kids My Gym Challenged America helps," she said.

About a dozen volunteers gave their time, along with other area businesses.

"The support has been absolutely amazing," Miller said.

Miller said she plans to make the event an annual affair.

"It will be even bigger next year," she said.

For information, call My Gym at (813) 792-8959.

Reporter Stephen Hammill can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or at shammill@tampatrib.com.