It’s been said “it takes a village to raise a child”. True. Just as true, it takes a team to tackle a serious challenge. It’s the philosophy FMi promotes to keep satisfying the evolving needs of its clients, and stay ahead of a fast-changing world.
It’s one they share with Team In Training, or TNT, a fundraising sports endurance program that trains those 16 and older to participate effectively in triathlons, century rides, marathons, hikes, and walking events. For many years, FMi has been a staunch supporter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Long Island Chapter of TNT.
“For my brother Peter and myself, this is a personal crusade, as we lost our father (Peter L. Macaluso) in 2004 following a tough battle against leukemia,” explains FMi President Eric Macaluso. “It’s a great program that has trained over 440,000 participants and raised over $1 billion to fund research and treatment advances for cancer patients all over the world.”
As an active executive board member for the past three years, and a nationally-certified cycle coach, Eric helps people train bi-monthly to complete their competitive event. “TNT is the largest sports endurance training program in the country,” he says, “and the Society believes it’s one of the top five experiences in any person’s life. It’s a team event…no one finishes alone. We don’t compete against people, but towards a goal.”
Over the last decade, FMi has sponsored numerous events, raising more than $100,000 for the cause. “I’m very proud that, in addition to our corporate fundraising efforts, FMi employees have raised tens of thousands of dollars on their own,” adds Peter Macaluso. “Eight have participated in over 76 events, and my brother has competed in 50 of those. We also have 17 employees who have volunteered their time and service at literally hundreds of events across the country. Eric and I are extremely appreciative of their efforts, all of which honor our father and countless others who have fought against these diseases.”
Team in Training encompasses all four seasons, and lasts roughly 20 weeks in total. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Long Island Chapter brings participants to local, national, even international events, with each person responsible for generating fundraising minimums per event ranging from $1900-$5000. The Chapter oversees two training locations, one each in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
As an executive board member, Eric makes specified donations to TNT on a quarterly basis, in addition to his activities as a coach and sporting participant. “Eric Macaluso is dedicated to the mission of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Long Island Chapter” states Tara
Murphy, Manger of Special Events. “This is clearly evident in his activities as a board member, as well as his continuing work as both coach and participant for LLS Team in Training. The Chapter is fortunate to have such an advocate.”
In addition to Eric’s many contributions to LLS and the TNT program, Peter is also an active volunteer for the Society as well as an occasional sporting participant in TNT-related events.
To make a donation to LLS and help fight blood cancer click here:
Tags: FMi, LLS, Retirement Services, TNT