United States (IBwire.com - January 19, 2013)

The delivery truck had barely pulled away when staff members Jeremiah Phelps and Marjie Wirth began making plans for the first fitness room orientation at Eagle Village. Thanks to Rogers Athletic Company out of Farwell and their generous donation of a treadmill, two exercise cycles, a hipster machine, several other pieces of equipment and free weights, exercise education and convenient fitness opportunities will be a benefit staff and youth alike can enjoy for years to come.

“Their generosity is truly a blessing. They gave us an amazing selection of machines that will allow for staff to do a variety of different exercises focusing on almost any area of physical fitness desired,” commented Phelps.

Owner David Rogers and Vice President of Marketing and Product Development Kyle Camp visited and toured Eagle Village early in 2012. They were impressed with the organization’s ability to impact so many lives and decided they wanted to be involved.

Camp shared, “Eagle Village stirred Rogers Athletic by its desire to work with youth who need direction and confidence to improve and take control of their lives. We feel that Eagle Village works passionately to build youth up, and we think that they have the ability to do so not only in mind and soul, but also physically - a visible manifestation of the changing individual. Also, the opportunity for staff to be physically strong and work on their own wellness will put them in a position to best serve the youth of Eagle Village.”

Rogers Athletic took much time and care helping Eagle Village staff evaluate their fitness needs and plan what equipment would best fit the space. Because of this donation, Eagle Village now has two fitness areas and is working toward a campus-wide wellness program that will provide staff and youth with all the resources needed to meet each individual’s needs.

The Rogers Athletic Company has roots back to the early 1920’s where the founder mended leather goods for the local high schools. From then till late 1960’s the company continued on with refurbishing and cleaning equipment until O. David Rogers was approached by the then head Coach of the Detroit Lions to help design and build a blocking pad to protect the athletes during practice. This sparked the evolution of the Football training equipment, designed to protect and improve the youth involved in football.

Eagle Village is a non-profit family treatment center providing Intervention Services and Camps, Residential Treatment, Foster Care and Adoption services for all counties in Michigan. If you know of a family in crisis that may benefit from these programs contact Eagle Village at 231-832-2234 http://www.eaglevillage.org