Burning Calories Across The Nation…For A Healthier Generation

Our mission is to spread awareness, inspiration and education to children and adults on the epidemic of Obesity. We do this through a variety of efforts including grants to programs who share our goals and implement real change. We also do this through participation in events around the country such as The GE Health Tour, WALK Rhode Island, The Work's Million Calorie Challenge , Harvard Pilgrim's "Livin Fit" broadcasts, BCBS Worksite Wellness Awards Healthy Wellesley, Action Obesity Awareness, NE Health & Racket Association Conference, Camp Kingsmont and many, many more. Our Foundation Newsletter, "Marching On" is produced annually and is circulated nationally.

A large percentage of the energy and resources of Generation Excel goes to our awareness campaigns. 2004's grassroots effort, The Million Calorie March, was a 1200 mile, 100 day walk from Florida to Boston by Generation Excel Founder Gary Marino. The March was a first of its kind campaign - a "walking and talking tour" of the eastern seaboard that made stops at YMCAs, media outlets and health centers - all aimed at inspiring the American public to "dig deep" to build exercise and healthy eating into its lifestyle. In the end the campaign reached over 70 million people through appearances on ABC's "Live With Regis & Kelly" FOX News, USA Today, People Magazine and scores of radio, TV and print stories.

In 2005 & 2006 The Generation Excel Team hit the road again - this time with Blue Cross Of Northeastern Pennsylvania for the unprecedented "Million Pound Meltdown" campaign. A TV / Media campaign designed to get that area's residents healthier, "The Meltdown" combined weight loss challenges, group walks, media appearances and dynamic live events in 13 counties (resulting in over 52,000 pounds lost as confirmed by primary care physicians). As part of the campaign, Generation Excel helped put together a televised "Town Meeting On Childhood Obesity" which aired on the local NBC/CBS affiliates WBRE & WYOU.

Much of 2007 was spent "off the road" and in post-production with Studio G Motion Pictures on a film about Obesity In America. "Million Calorie March: The Movie” is a 98 minute documentary and docudrama which represents the continuation of the Generation Excel Campaign Mission: awareness through unique, colorful and unconventional approaches. The film follows the life of GXL founder Gary Marino and explores the back story of adult and childhood obesity in the United States. It premiered in Boston, New York, Florida and other locations, to great reviews, and is currently being screened on the both the film festival and health community circuits

In 2008, at the request of Blue Cross Of North Carolina - Marino and team Generation Excel recreated the Florida to Boston Walk as brand new walking and fitness campaign for that state. The 600 mile, 75 day, mountains to the coast “Million Step March” across North Carolina kicked off in Asheville and traveled 12 miles a day though seven media markets. On the road with Marino and Blue Cross Spokesperson Kathy Higgins was a mobile wellness tour featuring healthy cooking demonstrations, motivational talks, fitness competitions and even a giant inflatable “shoebox theater” for screenings of the “Million Calorie March” documentary. The campaign barnstormed the area with over 60 interactive live events and in the end over 6000 people joined the walking challenge to walk over ½ billion steps.

We've only just begun. The Generation Excel Team is hard at work with plans for 2009. Our commitment is stronger than ever and we are focused like a laser beam on areas we feel we can make not only a difference… but a lasting contribution to this epidemic of Obesity.

Generation Excel is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
(EIN: 90-0134613).

Contact:
Generation Excel, Inc.
Gary Marino, Founder
51 Church Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-448-8517
gary@millioncaloriemarch.com