“There is no better joy than helping people around you go to levels higher than they ever thought they could.” -Dan Gilbert
Throughout the first eight months of its existence, the Life on Life Initiative has impacted thousands of lives across the globe. Besides the Life Leadership corporate initiative to combat illiteracy through donations and employee involvement, every other project to date has been coordinated by creative and caring Life Leadership Members throughout the various markets. This volunteer army that has taken society by storm is making a positive impact in every way imaginable. From raking leaves to visiting the elderly to giving blood to feeding the homeless to building homes for the needy, Life Leadership Members have shown their true colors by selflessly serving those that need a hand up in their local communities.
Life on Life Pennsylvania Project
Recently, one such Life Leadership Member, Alexis Lukonen, decided to up the game a little bit. After hearing about all of the amazing things that the Life on Life Initiative was accomplishing around the world, Alexis decided to propose Life Leadership’s biggest project to date–The Pennsylvania Project. The only problem with an idea of this magnitude was the obvious great financial need. While in conversation with AGO Spokeman Chris Swanson, the concept was sparked to have an all-out fundraiser at the Life Leadership New Year’s Summit 2016. But how to make this fundraiser both productive and fun? Leave it to Chris Swanson to come up with Life Leadership’s first-ever Life on Life Push-up Contest!
Life Leadership Push-up Contest Results
In just under six hours on January 24th, 2016, over 800 people from all different age groups, backgrounds, and professions participated in the Life on Life Push-up Contest at the Life Leadership New Year’s Summit that was spread across three different locations–Quebec City, QC, Sandy, UT, and Louisville, KY. The event was one of the highlights of the weekend, as thousands of people gathered around the participating teammates to pledge their support.
Lindsey Spiewak, a nine-month pregnant Life Leadership Member, joined Chris Swanson on stage to take away all excuses. With her belly almost touching the ground in the extended push-up position, Lindsey dropped down and gave 4 awesome push-ups for everyone to see. It was mind-blowing to watch as hundreds of Life Leadership Members across all three locations (Quebec and Utah watched the recording the next day) lined up at the stage to “sponsor” Lindsey’s push-ups in support of the Pennsylvania Project. In total, Lindsey alone raised over $15,000 to help this family in need.
Out in Sandy, Utah, another awe-inspiring lady left people speechless. Brooke Nelson was born with no legs, but that hasn’t stopped her from making a difference! As she rolled into the Push-up Contest area on her wheelchair, she decided that she wanted to do her part, as well. A couple of minutes later, with the help and support of friends and teammates, Brooke pounded out 38 solid push-ups of her own!
The testimonies go on and on, but to share just one more, a 56 year old gentleman at the Louisville location also made the excuses go away. To quote All Grace Outreach Spokesman Chris Swanson:
“Jerry Moroz has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis since he was a child. In and out of hospitals. In fact, he was in the hospital just 1 day before the Life Leadership New Year’s Summit this past weekend. What the staff didn’t know was that Jerry had already committed to a push-up contest prior to his admission. He may have been vomiting blood, sick and weak, but he still told the Doctors
that he had to get out because he had a Life Leadership push-up contest to compete in! Against their direction, Jerry checked out Friday, the day before the Summit, with his IV treatment instructions in hand and left for Louisville to compete and reach his goal of 30 push-ups. On Saturday, my brother Jerry Mroz was front leaning rest banging out his push-ups. Unfortunately he missed his goal of 30. He did 31 and raised almost $1,000.00 for All Grace Outreach! Jerry is an example for all of us. Not our past, an illness, an obstacle or anything else should ever stop you from your goal! Jerry Mroz is a stud and I’m proud of him!”
A contest of this enormity does not happen all by itself, so we want to say a huge “Thank you” to each one of the rock stars at the three locations that volunteered their time and energy to move everything along smoothly and effectively. In a little less than six hours, a tad over $122,000 worth of pledges were turned in for the Life on Life Push-up Contest! It goes without saying that as each CAB Coordinator Team took their turn to participate in the contest, hundreds of people were involved in the pledging, participating, and volunteering. Every single person made a difference, and Life Leadership is proud to be represented by such giving and loving hearts.
Life on Life Push-up Contest Winners!
To make things fair, Life Leadership COO Rob Hallstrand, CEO Chris Brady and AGO Spokesman Chris Swanson came up with the idea to have both Male and Female winners of the Push-up Contest in three different categories: Most Push-Ups Completed, Most Pledged Donations, and Most Pledges per Push-Up. The Grand Champion (the overall winner of all three categories) in both the Male and Female divisions won an all-expense-paid mission trip to the beautiful country of Chile with Chris Swanson! Below you will find the final results across all three New Year’s Summit locations:
Life Leadership was proud to award each of these winners with a trophy to remember the awesome experience at this first-ever Life on Life Push-up Contest! As you can see above, Joe Tullis from Sandy, Utah, and Haley Frey from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, gave their all and walked away with a ticket for a free mission trip with Chris Swanson that will take place in June 2016.
The beautiful thing about this fundraiser is that it was all based on the honor system. “Pledges raised” obviously didn’t equal “Funds collected” at the convention because many people had to go back home and collect the pledges from their friends, family and acquaintances. At the writing of this article, over $60,000 has already come in, but we want to remind everyone that still needs to collect their pledges that they can send them in with a check or money order made out to “All Grace Outreach” to 200 Commonwealth Court, Cary, NC 27511. (Make sure to write “Push-up Contest” on the memo line) If you would rather use a credit or debit card to fulfill your pledges, jump on over to www.youcaring.com/pa-project and click on the “Donate Now” button.
Life Leadership would like to extend a formal “Thank you” to everyone that was involved in this Life on Life Initiative event. This community shows time and again that it will rise to the task when a challenge is given; and because of the hearts of tens of thousands of like-minded individuals, so many people are blessed–including those giving the blessing! When the Pennsylvania Project is complete, we will post a follow-up blog article to highlight all of the good that your donations were able to accomplish. Check out this slideshow to see just how awesome this Push-up Contest turned out to be:
Matt Mielke says
It was awe inspiring to see God working through the hearts of all who were involved. The $100/push-up from Lindsey was jaw dropping. What really almost put me on the floor was the number of people that lined up to give a $100 donation! praise God from who all blessings flow.
Mike Jakubowski says
Amazing to see and honored to hang out with a group of people who aim to please, run to help and kneel to give thanks!
Renee Oettinger says
What an absolutely incredible weekend and giving spirit from so many. Thank you Lindsey for being an inspiration
Tracey Brill says
Congrats to all who participated! Way to go Haley! Team Explosion!!! Tic Tic KABOOM!!!!
Chris Marsh says
I trained for 3 months just to do 20 pushups. I did 38 at the Louisville location. It felt great to give back to others in need and look forward to doing something like this again. Thank you Chris Swanson for leading the charge! Fired up!
Chris Swanson says
Proud of you Chris!
Charles Mitchell says
It was inspiring to see so many great people leave it all out on the floor. Everyone I watched gave everything they had. Whether they did 10 or 100 push-ups, it was all positive and encouraging.
Chris Brady says
What a tremendous event held in two states and three countries! This just shows the power of a group of people pulling together for a cause greater than themselves. Well done and thanks to all for participating!
CB
Chris Brady says
Oops, I should have said 2 countries and 2 states!
Ken Hendon says
Three states and three countries! Our Haitian gang chipped in also.
Kristen Seidl says
An extra special thank you to all of the volunteers from all three locations! We under-anticipated our need for help (a great problem to have) and so many people stepped up immediately without complaint to serve and give of their time for as long as it was needed! Such a blessing to be involved with such a selfless community of people.
Zach Frey says
Amen!!! 🙂
Monica Koenig says
I’m totally awed by this amazing event, all the people from around the world all working together as a team for one cause. I will be forever grateful to be part of this community & what we stand for.
Robby Palmer says
What an amazing, and inspiring event Crying while reading the article. I saw so many people leave it all on the floor, for a higher purpose. They were trembling, screaming, and aching. They trained hard, and did an awesome job!
Thanks for the opportunity just to be a witness. Also, very well written blog.
Steven Rose says
Amen!
Ken and Joan Hendon says
The energy generated by this “contest ” was fantastic. HIS spirit was every where. Chris Brady and Chris Swanson showed great leadership. It was an honor being associated with this worthwhile event.
Brandon J Perry says
This is awesome and a huge reason why this community of people is literally changing the world right now and will greatly impact the future. Proud to be a part of this.
Kayla says
This was so incredible to be a part of!! I only have one question. Whats the next project? ?
Actually I have a second question. Will the family’s reaction be recorded on video and posted after they see their new house?
Zach Frey says
That’s the plan, Kayla! We’ll keep you updated! 🙂
Kayla says
I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t waaaait!!!!!
Pat Tefel says
THIS WAS AN AMAZING THING TO WITNESS ALL THE PARTICIPATION. I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD OF MY 69 YEAR OLD HUSBAND WHO DID 42 PUSH UPS!
LIFE LEADERSHIP IS SO INSPIRING TO PEOPLE ALL OVER MANY COUNTRIES!
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!
Melanie says
What an incredible experience! So proud to be a part of such an amazing organization!!!
Ralph Kramer says
I’m having trouble finding the spot to pay in the money I have collected for pledges since the convention. HELP
Kristen Seidl says
Hi Ralph! You can turn in the funds electronically at this link (by depositing into your acct and paying with debit or credit): http://www.youcaring.com/pa-project OR you can mail a check in to: All Grace Outreach, 200 Commonwealth Court, Cary, NC 27511. (Make sure to write “Push-up Contest” on the memo line). I hope this helps!
Debra Hullinger says
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how this whole thing would play out. But witnessing this event in Louisville was inspirational and downright great fun! Watching Lindsey’s $100 supporters and Chris Swanson motivating the room, was classic!
Thanks to my teammates Judy, Mike, Karl, & Vito for representing us well!! Grateful to be a part of this remarkable organization!
Carmen Sumner says
This was truly an AMAZING weekend!!.. I am always just so touched by how so many people can be together and do so much in such small amount of time when they put their heart, soul, and mind into it. This business and the people involved have done nothing short of amaze me EVERY single time that it is time to push together. I am so blessed to have this mark on my heart with being able to be involved with this business and all projects that LIFE has to offer. And to beat it all it was my birthday!..AND..Chris Swanson sang “Happy Birthday” along with so many others..while working on this push up challenge this day!!..Could I get any happier??..lol!.. This was a weekend..(and birthday) I will never forget. Thank you to ALL who worked to make this happen..and thank you again..from the bottom of my heart…Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady for building this phenomenal business that we all are so blessed to be a part of.
Heather Williams says
I am proud to have played a small part in this fantastic event! It was awesome to have people decide to do it at the last minute because if the excitement of others! And it was AWESOME to have Lindsey inspire so many!
God bless!
Jay Laari says
What was the total number of push ups for the winners in both themale and female categories?
Karleen says
Hi Jay, I was hoping the numbers would be posted as well…Here’s what I have:
Most pushups, female = 119
Most pushups, male = 125
Overall Grand Champ, male = 97 pushups and >$3K raised
Karleen says
I think I speak for melancholy pushup contestants worldwide when I ask, What is the magic formula used to calculate the grand champion numbers??? Please, someone put an end to my suffering. 😉
Blaine Terrill says
Talk about good news! Great article Zach! Thrilled to see Jerry featured in this piece. Jerry is an inspiration to all Stealth CIA members as he continues to lead by example no matter what ails him. He and Kara serve tirelessly with humility and joy against all odds. They embody Courage In Action both publicly and privately. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors, participants, and spectators that made this contest such a blessing to many.
Steven Rose says
What a great event! I was also very touched and inspired by the scores of people who walked up to the stage in Sandy, UT on Sunday morning and handed Sweet Mary Robson hundred dollar bills in similar fashion that happened to Lindsey Spiewak on Saturday in Kentucky. I love the LIFE Keadership community. What a bunch of winners!!
Steven Rose says
Oops typo… I meant to type LIFE Leadership, obviously haha