St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital received $115,000 today from St. Luke’s FitOne to fund healthy activities and programs for Idaho kids.
The generous donation is thanks to the 12,771 people who signed up for the St. Luke’s FitOne 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. The September run/walk is Idaho’s largest fitness event. When the proceeds from 2019 are added to donations from the previous six years, St. Luke’s FitOne has now raised a total of $653,000 to help improve the health of Idaho’s children.
Health statistics in Idaho closely mirror national childhood obesity rates. One in three children are overweight or obese. With that added weight comes an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint dysfunction and more.
“We know if we can reach these kids young, and help them form healthy lifestyle habits early, we’re helping to inspire them to be adults who see fitness and nutrition as an integral part of their overall health,” said Katie Apple, St. Luke’s Children’s Administrator.
The money raised by St. Luke’s FitOne will support community and school programs for kids that are safe, structured and sustainable. This year, those programs include things like walking and running tracks in Nampa, Payette and Boise, school nutrition education, a playground at the Hayes House for homeless and at-risk children, school activity stencils in Mountain Home, and fitness activity backpacks.
Anita Kisseé was the Treasure Valley public relations manager for St. Luke’s Health System.