Pushups charity challenge will raise money for veterans

Wichitans will have a chance to see how many pushups they can do in 90 seconds, and raise money for veterans at the same time.

Vital Forces Fitness is sponsoring a “Pushups for Charity” event May 17 at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean Blvd. The event is part of the nationwide “Pushups for Charity” drive that kicks off Armed Forces Day on the same day.

The event at Watson Park will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Snacks will be available, and families with children are welcome.

The goal is to reach 12,000 pushups and raise $5,000. People may sign up to pledge money per pushup, or may donate a flat amount.

To sign up, visit

www.Crowdrise.com/VitalForcesWichita

. Donations may be made on the day of the event, or online at the Crowdrise website.

The goal of the national “Pushups for Charity” is to reach 1.4 million pushups and raise $1 million for veterans through the Boot Campaign, which helps veterans by providing jobs, housing, education, wellness, urgent assistance and family support. In past years, “Pushups for Charity” has raised more than $600,000 for veterans.

The event at Watson Park will be the first in Wichita.

For information, call Jennifer Burianek at 316-518-6362.

This story was originally published May 9, 2014 at 7:56 AM with the headline "Pushups charity challenge will raise money for veterans."