Author: sHq_LoGiNz
Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA
IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.
“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”
Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.
The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research.
Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions.
“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”
Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.
About Fitness International
Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.
About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.
Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html
SOURCE Fitness International LLC
Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA
IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.
“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”
Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.
The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research.
Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions.
“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”
Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.
About Fitness International
Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.
About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.
Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html
SOURCE Fitness International LLC
Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA
IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.
“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”
Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.
The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research.
Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions.
“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”
Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.
About Fitness International
Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.
About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.
Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html
SOURCE Fitness International LLC
Parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio commits $250,000 annually to research initiatives in the USA
IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, today announced a multi-year partnership with Wings for Life USA. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
As part of the agreement, Fitness International will contribute $250,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, supporting the foundation’s research initiatives. Funds will be raised through a combination of direct corporate donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising activities across Fitness International clubs in the United States and Canada.
“Fitness is about more than physical strength; it’s about uniting people around the same mission. Through our partnership with Wings for Life, we have an opportunity to channel that collective energy into something truly meaningful,” said Jill Hill, President of Club Operations for Fitness International, “We, along with our members and team members across North America, are proud to support life-changing research aimed at curing spinal cord injuries. Together we can make a real and lasting impact.”
Fitness International clubs will support the initiative through member participation in the Wings for Life World Run, in-club events, and fundraising initiatives designed to raise awareness and generate support for spinal cord injury research.
The partnership will connect Fitness International’s United States and Canadian club communities with the Wings for Life World Run on May 10th, 2026, the world’s largest running event. Each year, using a unique competition format, participants run, walk, or roll at the very same time around the globe to raise money for spinal cord injury research.
Instead of making their way towards the finish line, participants move in the opposite direction while being pursued by the iconic “Catcher Car,” that begins moving 30 minutes after the race starts. Once this moving finish line overtakes participants, individuals will have successfully completed their race, until the final participants are caught and crowned the global champions.
“As Red Bull’s charity of choice, all administrative costs for the foundation are covered by Red Bull. That way, we are able to make a unique guarantee that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to funding research in the United States,” said Andrew Wagner, CEO of Wings for Life USA. “Partnerships with organizations like Fitness International amplify our impact, help us reach even more people, and bring us one step closer to finding a cure.”
Through its network of clubs and millions of members, Fitness International is committed to mobilizing one of the largest fitness communities in North America to support this critically important cause and drive research forward.
About Fitness International
Fitness International, LLC has 673 health club locations across 26 U.S. states and Canada. Follow LA Fitness, Club Studio, and City Sports Club on Facebook, Instagram or by downloading the mobile app.
About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Worldwide, millions of people are dependent on a wheelchair after having sustained a spinal cord injury, most often as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. Wings for Life is a non-profit spinal cord research foundation with the single mission to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life has funded life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While a cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Wings for Life USA was recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation in 2017 to fund scientific research and clinical trials in the United States.
Media Contact: mediarelations@fitnessintl.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitness-international-announces-multi-year-partnership-with-wings-for-life-to-support-spinal-cord-research-302722537.html
SOURCE Fitness International LLC
Story follows a young woman’s search for independence amid war, suspicion and social change
CLEMSON, S.C., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In his latest historical novel, “The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance,” Kelly Durham takes readers to wartime New Orleans during the early years of World War II, following a young woman seeking a fresh start. Weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and following a personal scandal, Lizzie Scott leaves her small hometown determined to rebuild her life in the Crescent City, where her brother already resides.
In “The Way I See Him,” Lizzie finds work with a defense contractor, settles into a boarding house and becomes involved in an unexpected romance with her brother’s shipmate, Juan Acosta. As the war intensifies, she and her colleagues navigate bureaucracy, betrayal and espionage while supporting the nation’s military efforts. Amid the uncertainties of wartime, Lizzie confronts questions of trust and doubt as she weighs love against loyalty and forgiveness. Durham hopes to reach readers who are interested in World War II and its lasting impact on American society, particularly the ways wartime conditions opened doors for women and minorities.
“World War II was transformative not only on a geo-political level but upon American society as well,” Durham said. “Many social advances still evolving in America today have their roots in World War II.”
Durham has written or co-written 14 historical novels set in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and has authored nearly 500 articles profiling heroes honored on Clemson University’s Scroll of Honor. His previous novel, “The Movie Star and Me,” also draws on mid-20th century settings, reflecting his continued focus on American life and history during that era.
“I think this book will appeal to readers because it presents an accurate depiction of the American home front as the setting for a compelling romance,” Durham said.
“The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance”
By Kelly Durham
ISBN: 9781665785068 (softcover); 9781665785075 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Kelly Durham lives in Clemson, S.C. He is married to the former Yvonne Spiva of Oakway, S.C. and they are the parents of three adult daughters. Durham grew up in Clemson, graduating from D. W. Daniel High School in 1976 and Clemson University, with honor, in 1980. He served four years in the United States Army with assignments in Arizona and Germany before returning to Clemson and entering private business in 1986. In 2020, he earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University. To learn more, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/869102-the-way-i-see-him.
General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Cydney De Los Santos
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-historical-novel-set-in-world-war-ii-new-orleans-highlights-romance-and-loyalty-302722475.html
SOURCE Archway Publishing
Story follows a young woman’s search for independence amid war, suspicion and social change
CLEMSON, S.C., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In his latest historical novel, “The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance,” Kelly Durham takes readers to wartime New Orleans during the early years of World War II, following a young woman seeking a fresh start. Weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and following a personal scandal, Lizzie Scott leaves her small hometown determined to rebuild her life in the Crescent City, where her brother already resides.
In “The Way I See Him,” Lizzie finds work with a defense contractor, settles into a boarding house and becomes involved in an unexpected romance with her brother’s shipmate, Juan Acosta. As the war intensifies, she and her colleagues navigate bureaucracy, betrayal and espionage while supporting the nation’s military efforts. Amid the uncertainties of wartime, Lizzie confronts questions of trust and doubt as she weighs love against loyalty and forgiveness. Durham hopes to reach readers who are interested in World War II and its lasting impact on American society, particularly the ways wartime conditions opened doors for women and minorities.
“World War II was transformative not only on a geo-political level but upon American society as well,” Durham said. “Many social advances still evolving in America today have their roots in World War II.”
Durham has written or co-written 14 historical novels set in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and has authored nearly 500 articles profiling heroes honored on Clemson University’s Scroll of Honor. His previous novel, “The Movie Star and Me,” also draws on mid-20th century settings, reflecting his continued focus on American life and history during that era.
“I think this book will appeal to readers because it presents an accurate depiction of the American home front as the setting for a compelling romance,” Durham said.
“The Way I See Him: A Homefront Romance”
By Kelly Durham
ISBN: 9781665785068 (softcover); 9781665785075 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Kelly Durham lives in Clemson, S.C. He is married to the former Yvonne Spiva of Oakway, S.C. and they are the parents of three adult daughters. Durham grew up in Clemson, graduating from D. W. Daniel High School in 1976 and Clemson University, with honor, in 1980. He served four years in the United States Army with assignments in Arizona and Germany before returning to Clemson and entering private business in 1986. In 2020, he earned a master’s degree from Arizona State University. To learn more, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/869102-the-way-i-see-him.
General Inquiries:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Cydney De Los Santos
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-historical-novel-set-in-world-war-ii-new-orleans-highlights-romance-and-loyalty-302722475.html
SOURCE Archway Publishing
CHICAGO, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Nancy Hooks as Catholic Elder Care and Post-Acute Specialist for the firm’s Senior Living Finance Practice.
Hooks joins Ziegler from LeadingAge National, where she served as Senior Vice President of Member and State Partnerships. During her 25-year tenure, she was the primary national liaison to 36 state partner associations representing 41 states. In this role, she built and sustained strong relationships with state association staff and board leadership, contributed to the development of both state and national strategic plans, supported executive leadership transitions, and led national recruitment and retention initiatives for LeadingAge members.
Prior to LeadingAge National, Hooks spent eight years with LeadingAge New York, where she focused on policy and advocacy related to housing and community-based services for older adults. Her expertise in senior housing led to her appointment as Co-Chair of the Congressional Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care Needs of Seniors in the 21st Century, which produced a comprehensive report to Congress following its two-year convening.
“I’m thrilled to join Ziegler and continue supporting organizations that are committed to serving older adults and strengthening communities,” said Nancy Hooks. “Ziegler has a long-standing reputation in the senior living and faith-based sectors, and I look forward to collaborating with clients and partners to help them advance their missions.”
“It’s an honor to welcome Nancy to Ziegler following her distinguished career at LeadingAge and her longstanding dedication to the senior living sector,” said Dan Hermann, President and CEO of Ziegler. “We look forward to integrating Nancy’s deep sector knowledge and relationships into our team.”
For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at www.ziegler.com.
About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held, national boutique investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm. It has a unique focus on healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S., Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, fixed income sales, underwriting and trading as well as Ziegler Credit, Surveillance and Analytics. To learn more, visit www.ziegler.com.
Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ziegler-announces-nancy-hooks-as-catholic-elder-care-and-post-acute-specialist-302721795.html
SOURCE Ziegler
CAMDEN, N.J., March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today that it has again donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross, continuing its membership in the Disaster Responder Program. Proactively funding disaster relief helps ensure the Red Cross is better prepared to meet the needs of those affected by disasters, both big and small, across the U.S.
“We at the American Red Cross of New Jersey are grateful to have partners like American Water Charitable Foundation. Their support enables us to provide relief and hope to those affected by disasters large and small,” said Wendy Vara, Regional Executive, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.
The Disaster Responder Program is a group of organizations and companies that take a proactive approach toward disaster relief. Members of this program pledge donations in advance of disasters. These donations power the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology, and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support when disasters occur.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to continue its support of the Red Cross’ mission and efforts to aid communities in crisis,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation and American Red Cross Southern New Jersey Chapter Board Member. “Prompt disaster response helps communities recover more effectively and become more resilient.”
The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Funding for the American Red Cross is provided by the Foundation’s Disaster Relief Grant Program, which supports disaster response and relief efforts in communities served by American Water nationwide.
In addition, American Water’s Military Services Group has awarded Foundation State Strategic Impact grants to the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces, supporting military members, veterans and their families as they prepare for and respond to the challenges of military service.
Employee volunteers also strengthen this partnership through coordinated blood drives, serving on regional boards, and engaging in a range of additional Red Cross initiatives.
Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-water-charitable-foundation-continues-national-partnership-during-american-red-cross-month-donates-250-000-for-disaster-relief-302722422.html
SOURCE American Water
