BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA AWARDS $150,000 TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ARIZONANS
Kiser Elementary School in Gila Bend receives $100,000 fitness center as part of the Second Annual Get Fit. Don’t Quit! Spotlight Awards
PHOENIX – March 2, 2020 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) announced the winners of the second annual Get Fit. Don’t Quit! Spotlight Awards, recognizing organizations across Arizona that are inspiring health and wellness in their local communities. BCBSAZ awarded a total of $150,000 – including five $10,000 prizes to organizations across the state, and an all-new $100,000 Get Fit. Don’t Quit! Fitness Center to Kiser Elementary School in Gila Bend, Ariz.
BCBSAZ and fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld launched the Get Fit. Don’t Quit! program in 2018 to inspire Arizonans to live a healthier lifestyle through fun and engaging videos and tips on being active, eating better and staying motivated. Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of BCBSAZ, and Jake announced the winners of the 2020 Spotlight Awards at a ceremony in downtown Phoenix on Monday, March 2.
Honorees were selected in six categories, with five winners receiving $10,000 from BCBSAZ to help further their health initiatives. Kiser Elementary School was presented with the $100,000 fitness center that will provide students, faculty and community members with a state-of-the-art exercise facility.
“The Spotlight Award winners represent the type of dedication and commitment to health that inspires us to continue supporting innovative community programs that impact everyone in our state,” said Kehaly. “Improving the health of Arizona takes all of us working together, and I commend these organizations for taking action, and proactively addressing the health needs that are most prevalent within their communities.”
Kiser Elementary School was selected for providing safe recreational spaces for its students, as well as members of the community. The K-8 school is surrounded by rural farmland in Gila Bend and public recreation spaces are limited for residents of the area. Kiser has opted to keep the school’s soccer fields and playgrounds open for residents to use on evenings and weekends.
“We have an incredible student body and our teachers are passionate about ensuring we lead by example when promoting healthy habits,” said Kristin Turner, principal of Kiser Elementary School and superintendent of Paloma Elementary School District. “The fitness center will not only introduce physical education to our students but also offer our staff