Fitbit Challenge

Over 200 individuals from UPMC Hamot, Gannon University, and the community participated in our first ever Physical Activity Philanthropy Challenge to help support wellness programming in Our West Bayfront.

The challenge was hosted by Gannon University with a pledge from the Hamot Health Foundation to donate $100 for every 1 million steps taken. Each participant used a Fitbit or Apple Watch to track their steps for eight weeks, and weekly emails encouraged friendly competition by recognizing top walkers. Together, we logged 103,571,869 steps — the equivalent of 51,786 miles — for a total grant amount of $10,300!

This grant will benefit three signature programs at Bayview Park: the Summer Fit, West BayFit, and Friday Night Lights. Each of these programs is designed to foster community engagement through regular physical activity for all who live, learn, work, and play in Our West Bayfront during summer months.

By encouraging regular physical activity through step tracking, we were able to help employees across the city make healthy changes while raising funds to help Our West Bayfront residents make the same kind of healthy changes. We can’t wait to participate again next year!