On Jan. 10, four community members embarked on a project to lose weight and raise money for the community. The participants weighed in on Jan. 10-11, and will complete their final weigh-in on June 10, on stage at Pride. Willing donors have the option of pledging per pound lost or a flat donation. Proceeds will be evenly distributed among Philly Pride Presents, The Attic Youth Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center. Pledge forms are available at epgn.com, Atticyouthcenter.org, PhillyPride.org, Waygay.org, Spruce Street Video and PGN. Pledge forms are due Feb. 22.

During the five months, each participant will work with a local gym or fitness studio, getting advice on exercise, nutrition and health. They’ll weigh in on the 10th of the month, with a progress report in the following issue of PGN (or track their progress at epgn.com).

It’s a win-win: They lose weight and get healthier, the community benefits.

This week, participants weighed in and got started.

Micah Mahjoubian

CEO, Soapbox Solutions

Starting weight: 267

Fusion Cross-Training

105 S. 12th St.

Trainer: Gavin McKay

Program: two 10-week fitness bootcamps, full fitness assessment and nutrition coaching, meeting weekly; three to four additional workouts weekly

Debbie Spadafora

Administrative manager, Woody's and Voyeur

Starting weight: 339

12th Street Gym

204 S. 12th St.

Trainer: Noe Espinosa

Program: two training sessions per week, with full fitness evaluation, medical evaluation by Bouari Clinic physician and nutrition coaching; additional workouts weekly

Dan Calhoun

Director of advertising and marketing, PGN

Starting weight: 268

Move Forward Fitness

1616 Walnut St., Suite 702

Trainer: Jared Carter

Program: two personal training sessions per week, fitness assessment and nutrition education; four additional workouts weekly

Franny Price

Executive director, Philly Pride Presents

Starting weight: 264

Optimal Sports Health Clubs

325 Bainbridge St.; 601 Walnut St.

Trainer: Jo-Ellen Marks

Program: one personal training session per week, with initial Polar Body Age fitness assessment and ongoing medical assessment from the Rossi Center; will meet biweekly with health-nutrition coach Colleen DeCesare; at least three additional workouts weekly