For Immediate Release
Lititz, PA November 14, 2023 – HARTZ Physical Therapy presented a check for $20,000 last week to Gigi’s Playhouse Lancaster, a nonprofit Downs Syndrome Achievement Center. The money was the result of HARTZ PT’s 20th Annual Fall Blast 5K Run, Walk and Kids Color Run which was held October 7th at John R. Bonfield Elementary School in Lititiz, PA. This year’s race had 322 registered runners braving the elements on a rainy Saturday morning. Congratulations to Brian Petraco from East Petersburg who came in First Place with a time of 16:17.8.
Gigi’s Playhouse’s membership has tripled in the past 3.5 years, and we currently provide programs for approximately 400 families in a very tight space,” said Alisha Fitzwater, Gigi’s board member and volunteer. “The generosity & culture of HARTZ PT shows that they embody our mission of: Be Accepting, Be Generous, Be Kind. These funds are going to help us finish renovating our new building expanding our space from 2,400 to 7,400 sq.ft. which will help us better run our GiGiFIT Gym, tutoring and other programs,” she continued.
Wendy Enck, Fall Blast Race Director said, “We could not be more thrilled to be able to donate this money to Gigi’s. We hope this will assist in their transition to a bigger space and an make an overall bigger impact to our Lancaster County Community.”
“The Fall Blast is our biggest charitable event of the year and the one that gives me the most joy,” said Brian Hartz, owner of HARTZ Physical Therapy. He continued, “I am humbled every year watching our staff throw their heart & soul into this event and given the amount of rain the day of the race we were able to raise a significant amount of money for Gigi’s. Thanks to all those determined runners and the generous support of numerous local businesses who join us as sponsors such as, Apex Realty, Tigers Eye, Roseville Wealth Management, Assured Partners, Penn State Health, Adair’s Flooring, Paramount Realty, and Now I Can PT.”
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