HFA Honors Industry Icons and Raises $200,000 at Second Annual Hall of Fame Celebration
The evening also included the celebration of inductee Elaine LaLanne’s 100th birthday.
The HFA Show unofficially kicked off on the evening of March 15 when around 240 industry leaders came together for an evening of celebration, recognition, and philanthropy at the second annual HFA Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The night recognized the accomplishments of eight industry pioneers who were inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Omni Hotel in San Diego.
The inductees were: Gainesville Health & Fitness Founder Joe Cirulli, Exhale Founder and ResetOne Co-founder Annbeth Eschbach, fitness icons Jack and Elaine LaLanne, Fitness Formula Clubs Founder Gale Landers, Les Mills Founder and Managing Partner Phillip Mills, and Purpose Brands Co-founders Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen.
In addition to the presentation of each award, the HFA Hall of Fame featured videos highlighting the achievements and influence of each inductee. And Dateline NBC correspondent Keith Morrison was a surprise presenter of the LaLannes into the HFA Hall of Fame, spending some time chatting with Elaine LaLanne when she accepted the award for her husband, who passed away in 2011, and herself.
After the induction ceremony, the evening turned into a celebration of Elaine LaLanne’s 100th birthday with the singing of “Happy Birthday,” the presentation of a cake, and heartfelt video messages from celebrity friends including Mark Wahlberg, Billy Crystal, Jake Steinfeld, Corey Everson, Tony Danza, and Tony Orlando. The party capped off with music and a receiving line where attendees greeted LaLanne and took photos with her.
The HFA Hall of Fame also had a powerful philanthropic impact, raising more than $200,000 for the HFA Foundation. These funds will support grants for HFA members to expand community health programs, helping bring the benefits of physical activity and wellness to more people around the world.
The Bay Club Company served as the presenting sponsor of the HFA Hall of Fame, with additional support from table sponsors ABC Fitness, Discover Strength, Healthworks, and Purpose Brands.