07 Aug USA Track & Field Foundation and GNC Raise Over $144,000 to Support Emerging Track & Field Olympians and the Foundation’s Run With US! Program
PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation Chairman Bob Greifeld and Executive Director Tom Jackovic announced today that thanks to the generous fans of track & field as well as GNC consumers and employees the joint campaign was able to raise $144,153.20.
The USA Track & Field Foundation and GNC joined forces for the month of May 2014 to execute a point-of-sale pin pad donation program. The support from GNC employees as well as the customers was overwhelming. The campaign got off to a great start with a nationwide kick-off event. The USA Track & Field Foundation deployed track & field athletes and Foundation Grantees at GNC locations across the country. The event showed an impressive, united track & field community across the country to promote the partnership with GNC.
Funds from the campaign will directly affect the Foundation’s Elite Athlete Development Program as well as their Run With US! children’s program. The Elite Athlete Development program give grants to deserving emerging track & field athletes. The Foundation provides assistance to athletes that meet its grant application criteria including income thresholds and performance standards.
The funds will also allow the USA Track & Field Foundation to expand their Run With US! program, which is a school-based program initiative utilizing elite track & field athletes and Olympians teaching a running & exercise, nutrition, goal setting & self-esteem curriculum. Olympic athletes teach students track & field skills and exercise drills that can be completed right next to their 
desk using a free game application called GoNoodle.
“We would not be able to continue to assist these promising track & field stars to live their dreams and affect the well-being of children across the country, without the generosity and support of GNC and their customers from across the country,” said Executive Director Tom Jackovic.