MONTVALE, NJ - A 25-hour training marathon in Montvale raised $21,000 to give back to local veterans.

For the second year in a row, Juan Pla, fitness director at THE GYM, ran the back-to-back one hour sessions, without food or rest, as a fundraiser for Homes for Veterans, a Harrington Park non-profit that adapts homes for disabled veterans free of charge. Inspired by his parents, who are both in wheelchairs, and his desire to find a way to thank those who served in the U.S. military, Pla came up with the training marathon idea. The effort raised more than $8,350 for Homes For Veterans.

After the first marathon in November 2018, Pla said, "When I was done, I didn't think I could or would do it again." But, after visiting a military family who benefited from the work of Homes For Veterans, Pla said he "felt obligated to do it all over again, with pleasure."

Since 2014, THE GYM has raised over $85,000 to benefit Homes For Veterans, which works to adapt homes of disabled veterans to make them handicap accessible and barrier free. "We can never thank the owners of THE GYM and staff enough for the tremendous effort they put into this fundraiser. They raised so much money for our veterans and we are honored they donated it to us at Homes for Veterans. A special shout out of thanks to Juan Pla and his very successful training marathon," said Doug DiPaola, President/CEO, Homes For Veterans.



Other fundraising initiatives at THE GYM included a special dance class in Englewood led by instructors who donated their time, a trunk show in Englewood, a vendor fair in Montvale and a t-shirt sale.

THE GYM also sponsored a push-up contest at its locations in Englewood and Montvale.

In Englewood, trainer Michael Feeks did 215 push-ups, Nurit Chasman, group fitness director, did 91 and Montvale trainer Travis Mach did 77 push-ups in one minute. Chasman said, "We look forward every year for this physical challenge to support our Veterans who have done so much for our country. This is our small way of giving back and honoring our local Bergen County Veterans."