Oct. 9, 2018 (GREEN BAY, Wis.) — For its second year, Move Greater Green Bay, a communitywide step challenge, used a little healthy competition to motivate teams of coworkers to get moving for a good cause. The challenge raised nearly $12,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin (BBBSNEW), and more than doubled the number of teams that averaged 10,000 steps last year.

“We hold a core belief that physical activity is a cornerstone to health and wellness. The simple truth is movement is the best medicine,” said Drew Leatherberry, Benefits Consultant at Forsite Benefits, host of the challenge. “What we saw this year is teams were having a lot of fun, and being more active. More than 80 percent of the individual participants were above the national average of 5,900 steps each day.”

Top place finishers were awarded during a celebration Tuesday (Oct. 9) at the Titletown Brewing Co. Roof Tap, a supporting partner. ASPIRO, a human services agency that helps disabled individuals, was recognized as Champion with an average 20,492 steps a day. Last year’s top finishing team finished in second place this year — automation services manufacturer Zepnick Solutions — with an average 16,107 steps per day. WBAY-TV Channel 2 finished third with an average 13,597 steps per day.

The challenge drew 34 workplace-based teams for a total of 848 participants from the Greater Green Bay area.

Using wearable fitness trackers and Forsite’s online wellness portal, myInertia, participants tracked their daily activity during the month of September, and by sharing their activities on social media using the #MoveGGB hashtag, competed for weekly prizes.

In total, participants recorded 253,179,203 steps for the month, equivalent to 116,311 miles. Of the 34 teams, 21 averaged 10,000 steps per day or more and were named as members of the exclusive Move 10K Club. The accomplishment was recognized by supporting partner Prevea 360and Prevea Health, which matched the registration donation for each 10K Club member.

All proceeds of the challenge benefited BBBSNEW, the premiere youth mentoring agency serving Brown, Door and Shawano counties. A check for $11,450 was presented to BBBSNEW on Tuesday, topping the $7,515 raised last year.

“Our mission is focused on being role models for youth in our community, and encouraging each child to reach their full potential,” said Katie Hess, BBBSNEW Executive Director. “What’s great about challenges like Move Greater Green Bay is that in an effort to set a good example, we’re becoming healthier ourselves, and realizing our own potential. It shows the true spirit of Green Bay.”

The challenge coincided with National Childhood Obesity month, providing an opportunity for employees to model positive, healthy behaviors for youth in our community.

“In addition to raising money, what this is truly about is inspiring and challenging each other to be healthier,” said Drew Leatherberry, Benefits Consultant at Forsite Benefits. “We’re all responsible for building a healthier community. A healthier tomorrow starts with the steps we take today.”

If you are interested in participating in next year’s challenge please visit  www.forsitebenefits.com/move and subscribe to our emailing list.

About Forsite Benefits: Forsite Benefits is the premier health and wellness employee benefit consulting team in Northeast Wisconsin. Our specialized expertise in employee benefit advisement has guided hundreds of clients to a clearer plan for their benefit package. We serve small and midsize businesses with comprehensive and progressive solutions focused on controlling health care costs.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin:100 percent donor and volunteer supported nonprofit organization that provides children facing adversity with professionally supported, enduring one-to-one relationships that improve their lives for the better, forever.