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How to Help: CrossFit Affiliates Launch Fundraising Recovery Efforts in Wake of Hurricane Ida

September 12, 2021 by
Photo Credit: CrossFit Rittenhouse
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CrossFit affiliates in the northeastern United States are in need of assistance from the community due to the effects of Tropical Storm Ida. Several affiliates have launched GoFundMe campaigns to raise money to repair damage caused by flooding and replace equipment. Some of these campaigns have a goal of $20,000 while others need over $50,000.

The details: The Category 4 hurricane caused at least $50 billion in damages to several states on the eastern seaboard and claimed the lives of several citizens. CrossFit affiliates primarily had flood-related issues that destroyed equipment and damaged buildings in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other areas. 

Hudson River Athletics: A box in Hoboken, NJ, suffered flooding due to Hurricane Ida. The “fast-acting coaches” were able to salvage some of the equipment, but the water still flooded in and caused issues at the box. 

  • The members of Hudson River Athletics spent considerable time in the immediate aftermath of the flooding trying to mop up the water and clean the gym. 
  • One member, Thea Zunick, organized a campaign to raise $25,000. The money will go directly to cleaning the turf/mats, replacing Concept 2 rowers, and replacing moldy sandbags. 

Lock 60 Athletics: Michael Donahue and Bre Stemler organized a GoFundMeCampaign to raise $50,000 for Lock 60 Athletics in Phoenixville, PA. The affiliate suffered extensive damage due to the historic rainfall in the area and will have to replace a massive amount of equipment. 

  • Six feet of water and mud destroyed essentially everything inside Lock 60. The list of destroyed items includes: all of the gym equipment, cleaning supplies, TV monitors, audio system, refrigerators, flooring, and many other items. 

CrossFit King of Prussia: Another gym in Pennsylvania suffered damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Dana Hazard organized a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of CrossFit King Of Prussia in Bridgeport, PA, and owner Aimee Lyons. Hazard set a goal of $75,000 to repair property damage and replace all of the damaged equipment. 

  • FOX 29 showed extensive damage during a piece about local businesses. The news clip showed standing water and damaged flooring.
  • CrossFit King of Prussia has started to rebuild. The affiliate posted an update on Instagram showing new flooring going in the front area of the building. 

CrossFit Rittenhouse: Another Philadelphia affiliate, CrossFit Rittenhouse, had to launch a GoFundMe campaign after four feet of water severely damaged the building and everything inside. The fundraising campaign has a goal of $50,000. 

  • CrossFit Rittenhouse had four feet of water flood the facility. The water destroyed the walls, floors, and almost all of the equipment. The owners had to stay away from the facility for three days.
  • CrossFit Rittenhouse posted several photos on Instagram showing the damage. Toilets sat piled together next to chairs and destroyed equipment. Kettlebells and barbells sat by a storage rack caked with mud.  

Get involved: Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to several CrossFit affiliates on the east coast, destroying equipment and ruining facilities. Community members can get involved by donating to one of several campaigns on GoFundMe. If you know of any others, send them to [email protected].

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