Airmen raise money for CrossFit for Hope

CrossFit for Hope is a national fundraiser that brings together the efforts of more than 900 CrossFit affiliated gyms to raise money in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year’s goal was to raise $1.7 million — the cost to operate the center for one day. St. Jude’s mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other deadly diseases through research and treatment.

As part of this fundraiser, 17 members of CrossFit Rage Cage came together June 9 to help reach the overall goal.

“The 435th Security Forces Squadron’s goal was to raise $500 and the men and women of CrossFit Rage Cage smashed that by raising over $1,200 to help reach the larger goal,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Siburt, 435th Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of contingency communications.

The workout named “Hope” consisted of three rounds of the following: Burpees, 75-pound power snatch, box jump with a 24-inch box, 75-pound thruster and chest-to-bar pull-ups.

In this workout each person moved from one of the five stations after a minute, Siburt said.

“This was a five-minute round from which a one-minute break was allowed before starting the next round,” he said. “On the call of ‘rotate,’ the athletes moved to the next station and immediately began the exercise to ensure (a) good score. One point was given for each rep.”

Several of the participants were sponsored for the work out, but most received flat
donations. He also said a few sponsors donated on a performance-based pledge.
“For example, someone pledged me 50 cents a rep and I did 200 reps, so I was able to raise $100,” Siburt said.

Overall, it was an intense workout for a great cause.

“We all came together to help raise money for this amazing cause,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Baker, 435th SFS. “Given the extremely giving nature of the military, it was not hard to surpass our goal.  The workout was tough and made you push, but we all made it through it because we understood it was for something bigger than ourselves.”

CrossFit is a strength-and-conditioning program developed by Greg Glassman in the 1980s. The program was specifically aimed at law enforcement and military personnel and has grown in popularity over the last few years.

(Editor’s Note: Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Siburt contributed to this article)