A message from your Unicorn Overlords
It’s time to let you in on a little (not well kept) secret. Ready?
We never set out to start a gym.
We set out to create a community that inspires people to take risks and to be the best versions of themselves. We started Mark Fisher Fitness because we wanted a place where every misfit toy could find his or her purpose – to shine brightly in this world and to show up in audacious, beautiful, awesome glory.
And you know what? It has worked.
It’s worked because of YOU. In addition to celebrating all of your many personal accomplishments, both in and out of the Clubhouse, this community has rallied together to build a park, we have raised almost $100,000 for Broadway Bares, and cheered as dozens of you have run races benefiting charities of all kinds.
But you know us: we’re not ones to rest on our laurels. We have been called for a much higher purpose: to share our light – our time, our resources, our energy – with all of New York City. Because here’s the thing. New York City NEEDS us. Desperately. Here’s some sobering stats for you:
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23% of New Yorkers are unable to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing and utilities
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Over 2.6 million New Yorkers suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
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More than half of New York residents face income poverty, material hardship, or health related challenges
Yikes. So what are we gonna do about it?
Because let’s face it – in light of those crushing numbers, it’s hard to show up every day and make a difference. It’s hard to put yourself on the line with whatever you have to offer – whether it’s $10 or $10,000 – and not worry that it’s “NOT ENOUGH.”
Well, you know what Spiderman would say: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility. And we’ve never known a more powerful group of humans than the ones who call MFF home. So we are taking our Superhero selves to the streets! We are building habits of radical generosity and audacious community to make a real dent in the challenges facing New York City.
It is now with GREAT pride that we introduce to you the next step of our evolution:
The Uprising is a new non-profit designed to make you – that is EVERY person in this City! – a fucking SUPERHERO.
The Uprising is built on two truths that we already know:
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When we all come together and do our part, extraordinary things happen
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Building a habit – like going to the gym or being radically generous – can change your life
This year, we are focused on providing health and empowerment opportunities for underserved New York City teens because we’ve seen firsthand how much of a game-changer it is. We selected two organizations who are doing great work in this area, are showing up in their communities, and could use some extra support. The 52nd Street Project exposes Hell’s Kitchen kids and teens to the transformative power of theater-making. The Ali Forney Center provides support for homeless LGBT youth as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. These organizations need YOU in order to make a difference to these NYC teens.
We need you to step up, get involved, and make a habit of giving. Here’s how:
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Make a monthly gift. If 500 Ninjas gave just $10/month we’d already be at $5,000/month!
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Commit to donating your time as a volunteer.
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Become an active part of this community!
And here’s the great news: If you are an MFF Ninja, you are already giving. Because starting July 1, we are donating 1% of your MFF Membership to the Uprising. We are putting our money – literally – where our mouth is. Because at MFF, not only do we GET 1% Better Every Day, We GIVE 1% BETTER. (TWEET THAT SHIT!)