LAFAYETTE - The American Heart Association, the Lafayette Family YMCA, and the Lafayette School Corporation are teaming up to "Red Out" the Y.  

The event will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov 9th at the Lafayette Family YMCA.   This event will promote healthy family living; by providing families in the community with a variety of activities centered on improving their health and well-being.   Participants can get in for free by wearing a red shirt, or by purchasing an American Heart Association "Red Out" t-shirt at the door.

The "Red Out" will engage kids and parents in a variety of healthy games and activities, including the YMCA’s new EXERgame equipment, which was purchased due to a $15,000 grant from ALCOA for the fight against childhood obesity. “The EXERgame equipment which is geared for school-age children, encourages children to become healthier by exercising, while maintaining a high level of fun that they crave,” said Jim Cowgill, from the Lafayette Family YMCA.

The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.   "More than half of Hoosiers are projected to be obese by the year 2030," said Emily Nichols, Youth Market Director for the American Heart Association.   "Events like this, which promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, are critical in winning the battle against obesity, especially in our children.   The American Heart Association is proud to work with organizations such as the Y and the Lafayette School Corporation to make a positive impact in our community."

The American Heart Association, Lafayette Family YMCA and the Lafayette School Corporation are very excited about the “Red Out” the Y Night and hope to make it a recurring event. “With the busy schedules of families today, it is hard to find time to fit in 60 minutes of exercise for everyone. The “Red Out” event is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family and encourage family involvement in physical activity, and is one that we hope to offer on an annual basis,” said Andrea Bornino, Physical Education Teacher at Glen Acres & Murdock Elementary Schools. The end result of the event is to bring families closer together, encourage good health, foster connection through fitness, sports, fun and shared interest. It will allow hundreds of families in the Lafayette Community to receive the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.