In 2010, Andy Berman was opening a new gym in Westport. He wanted to give back to the community.
When he heard about the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — the amazing experience for youngsters with serious illnesses — and then learned it was founded by Westport’s own Paul Newman, he knew he’d found his cause.
Berman’s first fundraising effort was a Push Against Cancer. Twenty participants did push-ups in his Fitness Factory gym. They raised $9,900.
Each year, the event grew. Last year, 334 men, women and children collected over $150,000. That brought Berman’s 9-year total to nearly $500,000.
Hundreds of participants had a great time last year, at Levitt Pavilion.
This year’s Push Against Cancer is bigger than ever. He and his team expect over 400 participants. The goal is $200,000.
That would send 80 boys and girls to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — at no cost to them or their families.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas (right) joins Andy Berman in promoting the June 9 Push Against Cancer.
The event is set for Sunday, June 9, at Staples High School’s Jinny Parker Field. The venue should draw plenty of students (and their teams).
Many Stapleites are getting into the act. The Orphenians will sing the national anthem.
Of course, anyone — of any age, or athletic ability — can sign up for push-ups.
Do them for Andy Berman. Do them for Paul Newman. Most of all, do them for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp kids.
(To register as an individual or a team on Sunday, June 9 at Staples High School’s field hockey field — or to donate — click here. To become a corporate sponsor or for more information, email PushAgainstCancer@gmail.com.)
The Westport Fire Department will be out in force June 9, for the Push Against Cancer.
POINT OF INFORMATION: THE FIELD AT STAPLES WAS NAMED FOR VIRGINIA PARKER, KNOWN AS GINNY, NOT JINNY
Sorry, Caryl. It’s Jinny. I received a letter from her after she retired, signed “Jinny.” I said, “I thought it was spelled ‘Ginny.'” She said, “No, it’s with a ‘J.’ But no one ever believed me when I told them, so I stopped trying to correct people.”
There you have it — direct from The Old Gray Mare herself!
One of the best hometown events in westport!!!! Andy Berman is a saint for the kids!
Andy is a great trainer and this is a wonderful cause. Way to go Andy!