The annual MAX Day of Giving, this year taking place on May 15th, 2021, is an event where centers across the country host events to raise funds for charities in their local communities. This year, THE MAX Challenge of Marlboro has chosen a cause very near and dear to their hearts, and have already received a tremendous outpouring of support. “This year we have chosen Stephy’s Place as our Day of Giving charity,” said Randi Leib, the owner of THE MAX Challenge of Marlboro. “Stephy’s Place is a grief counseling center out of Red Bank that offers their services free of charge to anyone that lost a spouse, parent or child.” They have chosen Stephy’s Place in honor of their late member, Todd Levine.
Randi opened up to us about Todd, a valued member of their MAX family for over 6 years and a personal friend. “Todd was a regular at the 6am class, rarely missing a day,” she told us. “He stood front and center, a larger than life physical presence always there to make everyone laugh with his dry sense of humor. Todd was a huge part of THE MAX of Marlboro family and a close personal friend to many of us. His presence is greatly missed! We decided on this charity after Todd’s wife Judy told me that she found Stephy’s Place extremely helpful to her and their kids, Hailey and Jack.”
Members of THE MAX Challenge are unlike members from any regular gym. They have a knack for always showing up and supporting one another. “We always say we are a family and this couldn’t be more obvious than during this grieving process,” Randi said of her members. “The outpouring of love and support we received from our members has been nothing short of incredible. Members that didn’t even know Todd have been supporting our efforts by sponsoring classes in Todd’s memory. They see how important Todd and this year’s event is to us, so they are 100% invested in making this year’s Day of Giving a huge success.”
This year, THE MAX Challenge of Marlboro has partnered with Monmouth Gymnastics who will be hosting a MAX charity class on May 15th at their facility. Between now and then members and non-members are sponsoring classes in honor or in memory of someone. They’re invited to attend and talk about who they’re dedicating the class to. THE MAX of Marlboro is also hosting a trainer’s challenge where members can challenge Rich Spear (their lead trainer) and Randi to do burpees. “I guess you can call that payback!” said Randi.
To learn more about Stephy’s Place, visit their website (www.stephysplace.org).
