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Mar 11

Hampton family partners with Planet Fitness for CHKD – Daily Press

Fitness Comments Off on Hampton family partners with Planet Fitness for CHKD – Daily Press

In 2011, Marlon and Shawnie BaCote's daughter became a patient at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter, the Peninsula's only children's hospital.

During the course of their daughter's eight different admissions, the family spent many days and nights under the care of the CHKD staff that made a lasting impact on the family.

"Pretty much, that was our second home," Shawnie said. "Because of the wonderful nurses and doctors who were involved with her care, when Marlon and I came together and got married, we felt like this was just our passion. We thought that we wanted to take this our cause and give back."

The husband and wife became year-round volunteers at the children's hospital, leading activities with patients, donating toys and dressing up as Superman for the kids to lift their spirits.

Two years ago, the BaCotes expanded their connection with CHKD when they began hosting toy drives in Hampton Roads. By the summer of 2016, their toy drives grabbed the attention of a major community business and led to a unique partnership.

Planet Fitness, where the BaCotes are members, has partnered with the family to host its toy drives at its 10 Hampton Roads locations. The most recent drive together was March 1, and more drives are being planned.

"You can just tell how passionate they (the BaCotes) are about it, and we wanted to help," said Melicia Limbo, Planet Fitness' director of marketing. "It was an opportunity for Planet Fitness to get our members involved and belong to a gym that actually gives back and involves its members."

More than two truck flatbeds were loaded down with bags filled with toys, blankets, books, stuffed animals and other useful items for CHKD chemotherapy patients at the last drive.

"Every store manager from each location came out with toys and pulled up in a truck. I get tears just thinking about it because they were like, 'Hold on, we're not done,'" Marlon said. "They were moving in and unloading trucks full of stuff. It was an amazing experience."

First Baptist Church also sponsors the BaCotes' fundraising efforts by contributing knitted hats.

While volunteers are not able to assist with patients from November to February because of flu season, March marks the first month the BaCotes and others can return to volunteering in person.

"After flu season, during the season when you can go, I had gone so much they said, 'Marlon, I'm sorry, we have so many other groups that want to come in,'" Marlon said with laughter. "We do activities, finger painting, and seeing the smiles on the children's and staff's faces is rewarding."

The couple aims to host more events to benefit CHKD. They also encourage others to volunteer and donate regularly if possible.

To volunteer with CHKD, call 757-668-7195 or email volserv@chkd.org. Visit chkd.org for more information.

For those looking to donate proceeds to the children's hospital, Tapps restaurant (1976 Power Plant Parkway, Hampton) hosts a fundraiser for CHKD at 6 p.m. March 25. During the special event, ticket holders can learn to line dance while enjoying music, food specials and raffles. Tickets are $10 and benefit CHKD. For tickets and more information, visit tappsvirginia.com or call 757-303-8352.

Events

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula: Erase the Race. Walk for unity with the local Boys and Girls Clubs to show support of law enforcement and end racism. The march begins at 9 a.m. March 25 at York Middle School, and the event ends at Yorktown Beach at 1 p.m. Once at Yorktown Beach, the event will feature speakers, music and food vendors. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. Info: bagclub.com or contact D'Shawn Wright at info@dshawnwright.com.

Tidewater Outreach Emerging Artist Showcase: Big Pink Music teams up with Tidewater Outreach at 2 p.m. March 19 for the Emerging Artist Showcase featuring 10 local musicians at Victorian Station (36 N. Mallory St., Hampton) during the 10th Annual Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Contest. Info: tidewaterartsoutreach.org or 757-965-5155.

York County Friends of the Library used book sale: The York County Friends of the Library are hosting a three-day book sale at Tabb Library (100 Long Green Blvd., Yorktown). Proceeds from the used book, CD, and DVD sale benefit library programs. York County Friends of the Library members of the can shop from noon to 3 p.m. Friday before the sale opens to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: yorkcounty.gov/library or 757-890-5120.

Friends of the Hampton Public Library book sale: The Friends of the Hampton Public Library host a spring book sale to benefit Hampton Library (4207 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton) programs. The sale is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24-25, 1 to 4 p.m. March 26 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27. Children's books are 25 cents, paperbacks range from 50 cents to $1, and hardcovers are $1. Friends of the Hampton Public Library members can shop 7-9 p.m. March 23. Info: hampton.gov/100/Libraries or 757-727-1154.

Empty Bowls Virginia Peninsula Fundraiser: From 5:30 to 9 p.m. March 24, the Empty Bowls Virginia Peninsula Fundraiser aims to raise money and awareness about hunger in Hampton Roads at the Old Hampton Post Office (132 East Queen St.) during a special fundraising party. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Info: emptybowlsvapeninsula.org.

March of the Lions Community Expo 2017: The Warhill High School PTSA hosts the March of the Lions Community Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25 at Warhill High School (4615 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg). The expo includes a blood drive, pet adoption, local shopping vendors and food. All proceeds from the event benefit the Warhill High School PTSA programs. Info: 4eventplanning.com/marchofthelions2017.

Volunteer opportunities

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula honors its Outstanding Youth of the Year at its 29th annual steak and burger dinner 5 to 8:30 p.m. March 23. The organization needs volunteers to help serve food and drinks during the event, as well as help with setup and takedown. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt and must attend a training. Info: bagclub.com or 757-223-7204.

City of Hampton

The city of Hampton is looking for volunteers to help with groups relating to the city's environment and beautification efforts, including 15 youths and five adults or eight to 10 adults at Syms Middle School for several projects. Contact hccc@hampton.gov for more information.

Joseph can be reached by phone at 757-374-3134.

Original post:
Hampton family partners with Planet Fitness for CHKD - Daily Press

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