Fundraising past the finish line
Jennifer Wilson |
December 29, 2023
Amanda Oberhaus was unable to attend LOWVELO23 on ride day, Nov. 5, but that isn’t stopping her from fundraising for lifesaving cancer research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. While many of us are slowing down to take it easy through the rest of the year, Oberhaus is gearing up to lead her own donation-based fitness event on Dec. 30 to support LOWVELO and its mission — to eradicate cancer.
“Cancer is something that no one should have to experience, at any age,” she said. “And it is not just about the person that gets sick. Cancer affects the entire family. Anything I can do to reduce that stress and hardship, I’m passionate about.”
Oberhaus, who not only runs her own health and fitness company, called OberFit, but is also a studio manager at Jibe Cycling Studio, is excited to get involved with an event that encompasses so many of her interests. She is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer who is devoted to helping people achieve better physical, mental and financial health. She is also an avid cyclist, enjoying both studio cycling and road riding and loves volunteering. She is always looking for ways to get more involved in the bettering of her community. So, when she happened across LOWVELO’s Instagram page, she was immediately interested in learning more about the bike event that funds cancer research.
“I’ve had several family members and friends that have been touched by cancer,” she said. “My grandpa was one of them and he passed super suddenly. He was pretty young, in his fifties. It just came out of nowhere.”
Oberhaus, along with her husband, Matthew, and their two daughters, quickly created a team and named their peloton Spin for a Cure. They have a $500 fundraising goal, but are striving to exceed that amount. She’s hosted several donation-based fitness events in the past and finds that people love attending classes like these — those that raise funds for worthy causes.
“I’m not asking for any specific donation amount, just that participants donate what they can. And I’m going to make it very family-friendly, with variations and modifications for different fitness levels and ages, so anybody can do this class,” she said.
The fundraising fitness event will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, at the historic gazebo in Hampton Park. It will be a 60-minute strength workout open to all ages, and no equipment is required to participate. All that she asks is that participants donate any amount to LOWVELO.
If you’re also still looking to meet or exceed your goal, check out our fundraising tips and our social mediashareables for resources to help you succeed. Remember, you can still keep fundraising through Sunday, Dec. 31.
