Making a Difference: Leslie Denny

Fourth in a series about five fitness pros who are impacting their communities outside the health club.

As fitness sponsor of the 129th Rose Parade, 24 Hour Fitness has embraced the parade’s theme, “Making a Difference,” by inviting team members to tell us how they make a difference in their community. Their amazing stories are deeply moving. Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing five of their stories on 24Life.

Name: Leslie Denny
Title: GX24® Instructor; Oceanside, Calif.

As a longtime group fitness instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, Leslie Denny has helped many members reach their goals—and found another unique way to make a difference.

Each year, for the past 12 years, Denny has thrown a charity party supporting both Toys for Tots and SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time). Originating as a thank-you to her fitness class community, the party includes a trunk show of knitwear and jewelry she has made throughout the year; the proceeds of all sales go to SPOT. Guests are also encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. Her gatherings are now so popular that she was recently able to support Camp Pendleton with five huge boxes of toys. Her home is now an official Toys for Tots drop-off site.

“Thanks to my nearly 25 years in this community and being a regular face at 24 Hour Fitness, I have been able to establish so many wonderful relationships that support this cause,” Denny says. “It’s a party I give to give back to all … I just want to help when I can.”

Photo credit: xuanhuongho, Thinkstock (hero); courtesy of Leslie Denny