YMCA & Brita Team Up With TV Star
The boys and girls at the Burbank Community YMCA were in for a special treat today as TV star Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) made a guest appearance at this local Southern California gym. Here’s the “Chatter Box’s” exclusive report from today’s festivities.
The “knockout” actress kicked off a new campaign celebrating Brita’s donation of water filtration pitchers and dispensers to YMCA locations throughout the nation. Longoria met with the YMCA group including Burbank Y CEO JC Holt, Yvette Herrera (Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement), fitness instructor Steve Harpst (founder of the Burbank Boxing Club), Y Ambassador & Director of Volunteer Engagement Jodi Reneaud, and YMCA staff members Erica, Tara, Ali, Bryan, Angela, and many more.
Both Harpst and Reneaud have worked at this location for almost two decades. Coach Steve began training students 19 years ago and now has a burgeoning group of children, teens and adults in his boxing class; Jodi first began as a dance instructor before working in various positions in athletics, administration and more. All of the Y employees present at this intimate gathering (featuring children at the daycare center) were happy to lend their support to this cause promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The Burbank Y (founded in 1924) has been diligent about fighting childhood obesity and encouraging a healthier future for children and teens. They have many after-school programs and myriad fitness classes including the popular Boxing, Zumba, Karate, and dance classes available to all.
During the day, Longoria and the gym kids sampled Brita-filtered water (infused with fresh fruits and veggies) and also took part in the “Freeze” dance-off with a live DJ spinning the tunes. Eva has been a role model in the community and has contributed to many worthwhile organizations. And the actor, author and philanthropist was a natural with the youngsters, talking to them about drinking more water while they work out and she also visited various craft stations set up on the outdoor patio. The youth had a blast at Wednesday’s function–just in time for a summer kickoff! They got their healthy dose of fitness in and were also given water bottles to stay hydrated in this warm weather.
Both JC Holt and Yvette Herrera expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm in having the beautiful actress visit their local YMCA.
“This is a great turnout and great fun for the kids!” Holt said with a smile as we watched the bustling activity all around us.
I also spoke to Brita Products Company’s David Kargas. He mentioned that Brita first teamed up with Longoria during the “Drink Up” campaign launched in September 2013.
But Wednesday’s event was the first official outing partnering up Brita, Longoria and the YMCA programs.
“This is a great partnership,” Kargas told me. “The YMCA has great programs and they are leading the charge in promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
The actress was a big hit with the little athletes and future champs at this community affair.
“This is fun for the kids,” Brita’s Kargas agreed. “And Eva is really wonderful with the children. She’s passionate about her work; it’s a great partnership.”
Indeed.
At today’s kickoff, Brita, the YMCA and the vivacious Eva Longoria ensured a “knockout” victory for all as they reminded everyone working out to drink more water!
Photos by Michele Chong
