One year ago, a group of community leaders came together for an innovative weight-loss program to raise money for LGBT agencies and promote health and wellness — and organizers are now looking to the community to finalize that journey. Philly Pride Presents executive director Franny Price conceived of Weight It Forward, which was sponsored by PGN, with proceeds from the program going to The Attic Youth Center, William Way LGBT Community Center and Philly Pride Presents. However, a number of people who pledged money to the initiative have yet to follow through. Of the approximately $22,800 that came in pledges, about $12,000 is still missing, Price said, from roughly 75 donors. Donors were given the option to pledge per pound lost or donate a flat rate. In September, organizers presented the four agencies with $1,750 each from the initial pool of pledge money. Price said several emails have been sent out in regard to the pledges, but she has not received many responses. The lack of a final tally could deter the launch of another Weight It Forward program, Price said. “We’d like to wrap this up and collect all of the pledge money. Once we do that, we would like to go forward with starting a new program,” she said. Participants in the inaugural effort included Price, PGN marketing and advertising director Dan Calhoun, administrative manager for Woody’s and Voyeur Debbie Spadafora and Soapbox Solutions, LLC principle Micah Mahjoubian. All four participants received a personal trainer who worked with them for the six months leading up to the June 10 Pride festival. At that time, participants were weighed in front of the crowd, unveiling the 237 pounds lost among the four. Price said she and the other participants are still following their diets and exercise regimens. “This has been a life-changing event and it is hard to believe that my whole life changed a year ago,” she said. Price lost between 70-80 pounds and intends to lose 10 more. “I will maintain my weight for the rest of my life.” Donations can be made through PayPal to [email protected].
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