Fitbit pits celebrities against one another in AHA fundraiser

SAN FRANCISCO — Fitbit, one of the market leaders in the fast-growing connected health and fitness category, on Tuesday announced the launch of a fun and motivating Fitbit Celebrity Challenges series — a charity-driven, fitness-focused competition pitting stars from fashion, sports and other industries against each other to raise awareness and money for cardiovascular health. Fitbit plans to donate a total of $50,000 to the American Heart Association.

 

“As the market leader in the activity tracking space, we’re continuing to build on our charitable partnerships with richer experiences that motivate and inspire people to move more and give back,” said Tim Rosa, Fitbit's VP global marketing. “In addition to the exciting Celebrity Challenges announced today, we also recently launched the Fitbit FitForFood campaign, with Joel McHale and Feeding America. By offering these engaging programs, we are encouraging Fitbit’s largest community of users to get active while participating in causes that help others.”

 

In the spirit of friendly competition, celebrities will step up for a good cause in a series of week-long Fitbit Celebrity Challenges to see who can log the most steps in five days. Everyone can follow along on www.fitbit.com/celebrity-challenges and on social media at #FitbitforAHA, as well as get involved by cheering on and backing their favorite contenders through charitable donations. Consumers can support their favorite celebrity by contributing a $1 donation under the celebrity’s name, adding 10 steps to their Challenge step total.

 

Fitbit is kicking-off its roster with two exciting celebrity duos — Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated models Erin Heatherton and Hilary Rhoda — with the remaining iconic challengers to be unveiled throughout the year. 

 

Heatherton and Rhoda will kick off the series, sweating it out in a five-day step challenge from Feb. 16–20, with the winner announced on Feb. 21.

 

San Francisco Giants outfielder and world champion Hunter Pence, and Miami Marlins infielder Dee Gordon, will duke it out for the title from Feb. 23 – 27, with the winner revealed on Feb. 28.

 

“Through Celebrity Challenges, Fitbit and AHA are making it fun and engaging for anyone to take an active, charitable role in helping to raise awareness and funds to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Bernie Dennis, chairman of the American Heart Association. “Friendly competition is a huge motivator and through participation from high-profile celebrities, we’re able to inspire people to move more and give back to a critical cause that impacts millions of Americans.”