Don Bosco is heightening its focus on promoting health and nutrition, thanks to local community partners and funders like Ameristar Casinos. In 2008, Ameristar donated a variety of high-end fitness equipment to the Don Bosco Senior Center, dramatically upgrading the Center's ability to offer seniors and individuals with disabilities an opportunity to exercise and remain active.

"I am very thankful to be able to use the exercise equipment from Ameristar," said Lupe Garcia, one of the seniors at the Center. "I've been looking for quite some time for a fitness opportunity. This is helping."

Participants at the Don Bosco Senior Center aren't the only ones benefiting from Don Bosco's focus on health, nutrition and fitness. This summer, the Youth Development Center will expand its annual summer day camp to include a new component called CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities and Meals that Promote Success). Nearly 60 children, ages 5-14, will participate in CHAMPS and will learn about health and nutrition, set and achieve fitness goals, learn about living an active lifestyle, and participate in sports training and field trips that reinforce a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re really excited about CHAMPS,” said Brad Washington, Director of Youth Development. “The kids will have a great time, and I’m confident we’ll be able to help them understand the importance of good nutrition and fitness.”

CHAMPS was made possible in part by individual donors and local funders, including Cargill and Helzberg Diamonds.

For more information on how you can help support Don Bosco with in-kind donations, a financial contribution, and/or volunteer efforts, please visit http://www.donbosco.org/help.htm.

Have a story to share? E-mail Jennifer Anthony at janthony@donbosco.org.