On a normal Saturday, Westport’s many gyms, fitness centers and cycling studios compete for customers.
On a normal Saturday, First Selectman Jim Marpe cuts ribbons, meets citizens, maybe even takes his stuff to the dump. Police Chief Foti Koskinas oversees his cops, locks up bad guys and keeps Westport safe for all.
Last Saturday was not normal.
A number of gyms, fitness centers and cycling studios sent their clients and trainers to the Levitt Pavilion.
There, Mental Grit Fitness owner Andy Berman welcomed 300 fitness enthusiasts. Among them: Marpe and Koskinas.
Together, over the course of an hour, they banged out over 200,000 push-ups.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Andy Berman and First Selectman Jim Marpe assume the position…
Thanks to pledges they secured in the weeks before, they raised over $75,000 for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. That organization — founded, of course, by the late Westport icon Paul Newman — offers special experiences to youngsters battling serious illnesses.
This is the 7th year Berman ran his unique fundraiser. It was the most successful — and (thanks to Westport’s CEO and top cop) high-powered — yet.
…and pause for the camera afterward.
Andy gives huge props to Crossfit Westport’s Amy Mandelbaum; Crossfit Revel’s Jay Ross and Julie Migliaccio; JoyRide’s Rhodie Lorenz, and Achieve Fitness’ Andrew Kindt for their leadership. A number of other local gyms and fitness centers also participated.
Berman was thrilled. Everyone who did push-ups at the Levitt felt proud.
There’s no report, though, on how the first selectman and chief of police spent the rest of their day.
(To contribute to Berman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp fund, email andy@mentalgritfitness.com, or call 203-733-1194.)
Andy Berman and Foti Koskinas get in a bit of advanced work.
