Proposal for Funding

For the Prevention and Awareness of Childhood Obesity

Charles Cottrell Nova Davis Thuan Do Tyrone Henry Jarrod Hudgens Tricia Sutherland

Our mission at Run On! is to inspire individuals of all ages and abilities in
achieving their fitness goals through our comprehensive product line, enhanced service and training.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE DFW AREA

Childhood obesity has plagued the United States for many years, and the alarming trend seems to get worse over time. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2009) reported that since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled. The nations most overweight children live predominantly in Southern states, and Texas is one of the major contributors to the problem. The abundance of overweight or obese children today is especially high in the Dallas Metro-plex area. Dallas is one of the top American cities with this problem. If a child is obese or overweight, they have a 70 percent chance of becoming obese or overweight when they are an adult. This will put them at risk for diseases such as diabetes, coronary disease and stroke. These diseases can cost our country up to $66 billion in treatment and $500 billion in lost economic activity. Dallas students are at a greater risk for being overweight or obese Studies have shown in 2009 that 36 percent of Dallas high school students were overweight or obese in comparison to 28 percent of US students. Due to such high statistics, our company Run On! believes that Dallas needs to make the fight against obesity a priority. This is a huge problem that will not just go away, we need to take action. Families in the Dallas area need to be educated on nutrition, as well as safe, organized, and affordable physical activities for their children. Our company Run On! has decided to sponsor the Get Kidz Fit program to help combat this problem. According to a report prepared by Abigail Arons (2011) for the Childrens Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT), national surveys showed that 17.8 percent of Texas children between the ages of 10 and 17 were overweight (body mass index, or BMI, within 85th-94th percentile) and 14.2 percent were obese (BMI at or above 95th percentile) in 2007. These numbers declined slightly in 2009, with overweight and obesity rates being reported at 15.6 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively (Texas Department of State Health Services, 2010). However, as shown in the graph below, obesity rates in Texas rose to their highest point ever in 2011, with an astounding 14.8 percent of children showing to be obese.

Story of Jonathan Hernandez There was a student named Jonathan Hernandez who attended T.W. Browne High School in Dallas, TX. During his class, his teacher pushed him to run laps in 20 seconds. Jonathan suddenly fell to the ground. Despite efforts to bring him back, Jonathan passed away. He was only thirteen years old. He was 5 feet 7 inches and weighed 240 pounds. The parents wanted the school to take responsibility for his death however; the parents need to take some responsibility as well. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise routines need to start at home. Investing into programs such as, Get Kidz Fit to educate parents and children on living a healthy lifestyle is a positive step towards battling this epidemic.
2

Percentage of Texas High School Students Who Were Obese,* 1999 2011

Students who were 95th percentile for body mass index, based on sex- and age-specific reference data from the 2000 CDC growth charts. Increased 19992011, p < 0.05. National Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, 19992011

The Trust for Americas Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2011) claim that Texas is the 12th most obese state in the country. Fifteen years ago, Texas had a combined (adults and children) obesity and overweight rate of 50.3 percent. Ten years ago, it was 58.5 percent. Now, the combined rate of obese and overweight people in the state is a staggering 66.5 percent. There are an estimated 600,000 overweight or obese children within Dallass six-county area alone. Studies have shown that factors such as low income and geographical regions play a part in the obesity rates. These rates also vary significantly by sex and race/ethnicity as well as shown in the following CDC chart: Percentage of Texas High School Students Who Were Obese,* by Sex and Race/Ethnicity, 2011

Students who were 95th percentile for body mass index, based on sex- and age-specific reference data from the 2000 CDC growth charts. M > F B > H > W National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2011

GET KIDZ FIT PROGRAM

Get Kidz Fit is a Dallas based collaborative program designed to help educate parents and children on wellness and nutrition, while incorporating physical activities in hopes to prevent childhood obesity. This program was co-founded in 2005 by the Community Council of Greater Dallas and the Childrens Medical Center Dallas. There are over 140 organizations and over 375 individuals who take part in this program. These organizations include: Businesses, government, schools, civic and service organizations, faith based groups and health and human service providers. Our company would like to be a part of this program and take part in saving the lives of our American citizens. Every year, Get Kidz Fit has a free festival designed to provide a range of healthy lifestyle activities for the children, while educating both children and parents on healthy eating habits. There will be healthy cooking demonstrations and numerous sporting activities which include: Rock-climbing, tennis, volleyball, obstacle courses, rowing, soccer, basketball, jump roping, aerobics/zumba, golf, cycling and more. There will be volunteers and sponsors teaching kids simple and fun ways that their families can incorporate physical activity and nutritious eating in their everyday life. This years 2012 festival included some new events hosted by the Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. These new events included: a dance party, games and giveaways. The mayor is also making this problem a priority. He has started a new program called Mayor's Youth Fitness Initiative (MyFi) to help with the fight against childhood obesity. When we have our 5k event, our company Run On! will really promote the Get Kidz Fit program. There are many families who are not aware of this program and the great things it has to offer. There will be a brochure that we will be handing out at the 5k as well as include in the racers packets. This will only be a small taste of what this great program has to offer. The program will be encouraged by all of us here at Run On! We want all families to get involved and are asking businesses in the DWF area to show community involvement by sponsoring this program in the fight against childhood obesity. Working together works best. Everyone can make a difference!

5K RACE LOGISTICS
A 5K race will take place along the beautiful trails of White Rock Lake. The event will be held at 950 E. Lawther Drive, Winfrey Point, Dallas Texas, on March 30, 2013. Registration: Early registration available at www.runontexas.com or at a local store until March 24, 2013 and is only $25. Late or Race Day registration will be $30. Packets will be available for pickup March 25-29 at any local Run On! store. The first 1000 participants to register will receive a free t-shirt at check in. Run On! Store Locations: 5400 East Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 821-0909 11811 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75230 (214) 416-9978 Richardson: 1465 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 231-8260 McKinney: 5180 West Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 540-0333 Coppell: 680 North Denton Tap Road, Coppell, TX 75019 (972) 956-5550 Dallas:

Race Schedule: 6:30 am-Race Day Registration Opens 7:45 am-Registration Closes 8:00 am-Races Begins 10:00am-Awards and Concert begins Awards: The top 3 male and female finalist in the following categories will receive an award. Ages: (16 and under), (17-30), (30-45), (50 and up). Parking: From the intersection of Buckner Blvd and Garland Rd, go south on Garland Rd for 0.6 miles. Take a right on Emerald Isle (Barbecs restaurant is there at the turn) and go approx. 0.5 miles. Take a left on Winfrey Point Drive at the dead-end, just past the ball fields on your left. The building at the top of the hill is Winfrey Point. This is where all events will be held. After party: The awards are going to be announced on stage starting at 10:00am. After the awards are presented a local band will be taking the stage to give thanks to everyone who competed in the race.
5

RACE EVENT BUDGET

Revenue: Registrants Sponsorship early late / DOE Platinum Silver Bronze Honorary $ $ $ $ Rate Participation $25 800 $30 200 3,000 1,750 1,000 250 1 3 5 10 Total 20,000 6,000 3,000 5,250 5,000 2,500 41,750

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

TOTAL REVENUE OPPORTUNITY Expenses: Event: Race Shirts - Front and Back - $5 each Promotions / Race Tracking Service Signage Post Party Band expense - not in-kind Stage / MC for Event Flyers / Email Blast / Design Awards Port - a - John Bibs / Safety Pins Photographer Permits / Park Fees Sound Equipment Rental Insurance Tents / Tables - in kind Food and Beverage: Water / Juice not donated 2.00 per Fresh Fruit / Nutrition Bars not donated Public Services: Police Police Supervisor Ambulance on Site

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

6,000 2,750 1,000 800 750 600 500 400 300 300 300 200 200 150

$ $

2,000 800

4 hours

8 2 1

$ $ $ $

320 400 400 18,170

TOTAL EXPENSE

GROSS PROFIT

$ 23,580
6

EVENT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

It will take a group of great people to make this event a success. From registration desk, to table set-up, water stations, and award ceremony; it will take a midsized group of dedicated workers to have this charitable event run as smoothly as necessary. Our event staff will incorporate both paid and volunteer staff, working together as one to promote a worthwhile cause! Student Volunteers: There are many benefits to having student volunteers. This is a great way to allow students to gain community service hours while helping out a great cause. In Texas public schools, students are required to have 80 hours of community service in order to graduate high school. So not only will the students be able to help out a great cause, they will also be helping themselves by getting much needed community service hours. According to Helpguide.org (2012), it is also a great way for students to grow their network, and hone leadership skills. This will give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs and college too! Community Volunteers: Not everyone at the event will be students though; many other people throughout the community like to volunteer to help out companies and events they support. Citizen volunteers benefit from volunteering as well. The satisfaction of incorporating service into their lives and making a difference in their community gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. There has even been a recent study that shows that volunteering is a great health benefit. National Service.org (2007) reports, those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer... Run On! Volunteers: As host sponsors of this 5K event, our staff has graciously volunteered to donate their time and talents to this event. Our team has been working diligently to arrange all aspects of logistics surrounding this race. They will be on hand the day of the event as well, helping to coordinate volunteers and answer any questions provided by participants. Because of our line of business, this event is something our employees hold in highest regard fitness! Fighting childhood obesity is a cause worth fighting. Public Service: We have also hired public servant positions as well. Police force and ambulance services will be on hand to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers, and spectators. They will also be responsible for directing traffic and securing the run route.

PARTICIPATION BENEFITS Runners:

Improve Your Overall Health - Fight cholesterol and boost your immune system. Prevent Disease - Such as lowering risk of breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as reduce risk of heart disease. Lose Weight - Running is a leading way to burn those extra calories. Confidence Booster - Achieving goals will give you a mental benefit as well. Stress Reduction - Exerting energy in a positive manner will reduce mental strain, leaving oneself with a feeling of satisfaction. Fight Depression Exercise is a powerful combatant of depression. The brain produces hormones during physical activity that helps to improve moods.

Sponsors:
Advertising and Promotions - Gain valuable advertising space of event mediums at a relatively inexpensive rate, while targeting a specific audience. Community Involvement Increase sales and community visibility. Obtain community loyalty as a well respected, involved business owner. Improved Positioning - Market products specific to the event alongside complimentary, reputable companies also involved in the specific event.

Volunteering:
Mind Take a break from your normal routine and help others that may be more unfortunate than yourself. Body Physical activity and having hands on involvement to help create a better situation for those who rely on that charity for assistance Soul - Gain a sense of accomplishment and an honorable feeling of giving back to the community.

SUMMARY
In this proposal, we have provided statistics and evidence supporting ongoing problems with childhood obesity and a need for action. Working together as a community to educate, promote, and enable families against this ongoing battle, will allow forward progress in our fight of childhood obesity. Programs such as Get Kidz Fit, organizations like Community Council of Greater Dallas, and community involvement from companies like ours, Run On! are doing just that, banning together in an ultimate fight for freedom against unhealthy lifestyles. Becoming an advocate in the battle and raising funds to contribute to the upcoming Get Kidz Fit Fest being held in April 2013, is Run On!s goal. We recognize the need for change in promoting exercise and healthy eating amongst our youth. We want them to recognize that the rewards outweigh the effort, and that taking care of their bodies can be fun! By donating the proceeds of our race being held in March, we can further enable the Get Kidz Fit program to expand its free, family fun day and touch even more lives! It is our hope that you, the Community Engagement Committee, will also recognize that need, see the true benefit of our event, and allow us to represent the company in the final round of the Chamber of Commerce competition. Together we can get our youth back on track!

REFERENCES
Arons, A. (2011). Childhood obesity in Texas: The cost, the policies, and a framework for the future. Retrieved from http://www.childhealthtx.org/pdfs/childhood%20obesity%20in%20Texas%20report.pdf Accessed September 20, 2012 Braun, M. (2012) Most Americans maybe obese by 2030, report warns. Retrieved from http://gma.yahoo.com/most-americans-may-obese-2030-report-warns-114844105--abcnews-wellness.html Accessed September 16, 2012. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). [Graph illustration of Percentage of Texas high school students who were obese by sex and race/ethnicity, 2011]. Retrieved from http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/obesity/NPAOPdata.shtm Accessed September 20, 2012 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). [Graph illustration of Percentage of Texas high school students who were obese, 1999-2011]. Retrieved from http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/obesity/NPAOPdata.shtm Accessed September 20, 2012 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Data and statistics. [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html Accessed September 20, 2012 Get Kidz Fit Web site: http://www.getkidzfit.org/ Accessed September 25, 2012. National Service.gov Web site: The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research. (2007) Retrieved from http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr_brief.pdf Accessed October 13, 2012 Run On! Web site: http://www.runontexas.com/ Accessed September 17, 2012. Saisan, J, Smith, M, Kemp, G (2012). Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm Accessed October 12,2012 Texas Department of State Health Services. (2010). Texas overweight and obesity statistics. Retrieved from http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/obesity Accessed October 5, 2012 Trust For Americas Health. (2011, July 7). New report: Texas is 12th most obese state in the nation. Retrieved from http://www.healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2011/release.php?stateid=TX Accessed September 30, 2012 Unknown. (2012). Dallas in the middle of epidemic of deadly childhood obesity. Retrieved from http://www.overweightteen.com/dallas-obesity.html Accessed September 18, 2012. Unknown, (2011). The Personal Benefits of Volunteer Work. Retrieved from http://sapristi.hubpages.com/hub/The-Personal-Benefits-of-Volunteer-Work Accessed September 19, 2012 10