Any Fellas In So Cal?

Hey Guys,

     I hope everyone is well... Been a while since I have posted here, I usually just post on the Excercise & Fitness forum, but I wanted to give you guys a heads up. I was asked to speak at the Obesity Help Convention in Costa Mesa, CA on May 21st & 22nd and I think it would be awesome if any and all of you could make it out there. In 2 years I have gone from 400 pounds to a 200 pound Ultra Marathoner and Ironman Triathlete, and will be swimming from Spain to Africa as a fundraiser for Childhood Obesity. I am hoping to inspire any and all who attend, and will be offering insight as to what has and has not worked for me in my Weight Loss Journey. The tickets are usually $60, but I have a coupon code that lowers the price to $35. Send me a PM if you are interested and I will get you details and the code. Thanks guys and have an AWESOME weekend....

I don't live in CA and I can't afford to sponsor anyone for anything right now.  In the past I have sponsored my brother as he has done charity bicycle rides for AIDS research ( a sister-in-law and niece died from it) , diabetes, and other local charities.  If you want to do an interesting bicycle ride, go for the Iowa State Fair ride which rides accross the state with the State Fair celebrated in each town in which it stops.  My brother also pedaled accross the USA with Bike Accross America ( based in NH ) and that ride goes from the Pacific Ocean in San Fran to the Atlantic Ocean in NH.  He paid his own way but decided to raise funds for a food bank in New Brunswick, NJ.  It was a major success for them.

I only mention this because you can be creative in how you raise funds and advertise your participation and the charity.  My brother is a professor at Rutgers and got the sports teams behind him in promoting the charity.  As a result, there has become a closer relationship between Rutgers and the charity.  Similarly, you may be able to promote your work through schools including colleges.  Getting work out to the media is also helpful and you are best served if others will help you with that.  Telling your own story of morbid obesity , weight loss, and current fitness would probably appeal to local newspapers and TV shows.

Thanks for the tips.... I am assuming this is in reference to my swim and not the OH Convention. I have all of these things in the works and appreciate our input. Take care...