Bellin, Precision Machine to Celebrate ‘Steps for Good’

Event to unveil results of program tying physical activity to charitable giving

ALGOMA — Bellin Health and Precision Machine, Inc. will celebrate the success of their Steps for Good physical fitness and charitable giving program with an event from noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Precision Machine, 1604 Mueller St., Algoma.

Bellin and Precision recently partnered to test a concept that ties physical activity to charitable giving. For 12 weeks, Precision’s 60 employees tracked their steps with employer-provided FitBit activity trackers, with teams earning charitable giving dollars for each step walked. Employees chose to donate to either the Ribbon of Hope breast cancer support program or Kewaunee County Special Olympics.

During the Aug. 3-Oct. 25 challenge, teams could earn a weekly $100 bonus for their chosen charity by completing a simple health challenge, such as replacing soda with water or removing junk food from their home kitchen. The Nov. 17 event will include unveiling the final results of the challenge, as well as the presentation of checks to the teams’ respective charities.

“At Precision, we want to make a difference in our community by helping individuals and families in their times of need,” said company president Jamie Spitzer. “This was a great pilot program. I’m encouraged by the participation, continuing efforts and creative ideas the teams came up with to make the program their own.”

Steps for Good yielded lasting change at Precision, where pre- and post-survey results demonstrate team members have made health improvements in exercise, nutrition and sleep. One employee lost 35.5 pounds during the challenge, and employees have indicated their desire to participate in another team-based fitness challenge.

Precision Machine is an active participant in the Live Algoma coalition, a partnership of Bellin Health, the Algoma School District, community agencies and local government and employers. This comprehensive initiative is designed to improve the overall health of the community and address workforce wellness needs.