In April, Five Seasons Burr Ridge Partners With Neighboring Club to Support Autism Awareness

Throughout the month of April, Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Burr Ridge is raising money for a nearby organization that specializes in serving people with autism.

Five Seasons, 6901 S. Madison St., is holding a variety of events that support Raise the Bar Autism Fitness Summer Camp. Operated by Willowbrook-based Right Fit Sport, Fitness, Wellness LLC, Raise the Bar holds three-day camps from June to August for children with autism.

Because April is Autism Awareness Month, Five Seasons employees wanted to find a way to make a contribution that serves area residents, said Chief Club Officer Bob Diamond. At the same time, the club will be marking the 27th anniversary of the opening of the first Five Seasons facility in the Midwest.

“We don’t see Right Fit as a competitor so much as a complement to what we offer our members,” said Diamond. “We have a high regard for the work that they do, and know that the money we raise will make an impact locally.”

Raise the Bar tailors its work with each child to provide the support they need to have a fun, growing experience. Camp programming is designed to improve each camper’s fitness, self-esteem, and social skills, while offering opportunities that may be unavailable or difficult at home or school.

Activities include swimming, bowling, zoo and nature trips, horseback riding, hiking and rock climbing. The funds raised by Five Seasons will go toward a scholarship fund for field trips, travels expenses and equipment.

Among the fundraising events at Five Seasons, which are open to members and guests alike:

*The Spartan Challenge, a series of activities on Saturday, April 18th, that put men and women’s strength and fitness to the test. Each entrant must make a $50 donation, with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and the competition beginning at 9 a.m. Awards will go to the top three finishers among men and women.

*The 27th Anniversary Challenge. In observance of the debut of the first opening of a fellow Five Seasons facility, the club is holding a fitness challenge on Wednesday, April 22nd, from Noon to 6 p.m.

The challenges consists of two rotations of seven exercises, with 27 repetitions for each exercise. A $20 donation to Raise The Bar covers the registration fee.

*An Autism Awareness Tennis Mixer, on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The round-robin doubles event will include lunch, with the entry fee set at $27 per player.

*An Aquatics Swim-a-thon, on Saturday, April 25th. Starting at 8:30 a.m., the event consists of 27 minutes of non-stop motion in the water—or even walking alongside the club’s indoor pool. A minimum donation of $27 is required, and children are welcome (with supervision).

The club is also creating other specials, such as a 27-percent discount on pro shop supplies, to mark the Five Seasons corporate anniversary.

Five Seasons Burr Ridge is one of six Five Seasons clubs throughout the Midwest—the others are in Northbrook, Ill., Indianapolis, Indiana; Dayton, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

The Kentucky location debuted in 1988, with the others following in subsequent years. The Burr Ridge location opened in 2001.

Right Fit Sport, Fitness, Wellness is located at 7101 S. Adams, Unit 7, in Willowbrook and online at http://www.right-fit.com/.

For more information about any of the events, please contact Erik Knowles at 630-570-5200. Online, the club is at http://fiveseasonssportsclub.com/burrridge/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FiveSeasonsBurrRidge.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Raise the Bar Autism Fitness Camp activities are designed to improve each camper’s fitness, self-esteem, and social skills. (Photo courtesy of Right Fit Sport, Fitness, Wellness LLC)