Flexing for Good: How One Fitness Community Raised $635K for Kids in Need

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – June 30, 2026 – In an impressive display of collective will, national fitness franchise Burn Boot Camp and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have announced that their annual “Be Their Muscle” campaign raised more than $635,000 this April. The funds, generated through the dedicated efforts of over 150,000 members across 400 U.S. locations, are set to provide more than 800 children living with neuromuscular diseases a quintessential childhood experience: a week at summer camp.

This year's campaign, which marks a decade of partnership between the two organizations, exceeded last year’s total and pushes their cumulative fundraising past the $3.8 million mark. It’s a powerful case study in how a business can embed social purpose into its operational DNA, transforming individual fitness goals into a formidable engine for community support and large-scale impact.

The Power of a Community United

At the heart of Burn Boot Camp’s success is a culture that extends beyond its signature 45-minute workouts. Founded in 2012 by Devan and Morgan Kline, the brand has cultivated a fiercely loyal following, known as “Burn Nation,” by fostering a supportive, community-centric environment. This built-in network becomes a powerful force during the month-long “Be Their Muscle” campaign.

"Our Burn Boot Camp community continues to demonstrate the incredible impact that can happen when people come together for a greater purpose," said Morgan Kline, co-founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp. This sentiment is brought to life through a series of grassroots fundraising activities. Locations host special workout camps where a donation grants participation, with 100% of the proceeds going to the MDA. These events are supplemented by local challenges and community gatherings, mobilizing members to contribute directly to a tangible, feel-good outcome.

The campaign's power is perhaps best illustrated at the local level. Chelsea Theodoropoulos, a franchise partner operating several locations in St. Louis, Missouri, has become a fundraising powerhouse. This year alone, her community rallied to raise more than $60,000. For Theodoropoulos, the mission is deeply personal. “This isn’t just about fitness,” she shared. “It’s about showing up for kids, adults, and families when strength looks different and support matters most.” Her extraordinary results underscore how a franchise model, often focused on standardized operations, can also empower individual owners to become significant philanthropic leaders in their own communities.

More Than a Camp: A Lifeline of Independence and Joy

For the families who benefit, the funds raised are more than just a number; they are a gateway to invaluable life experiences. MDA Summer Camp offers children and young adults aged 8-17 a barrier-free environment where they can build confidence, foster independence, and forge lifelong friendships. Critically, the camps are offered completely free of charge to families, removing a significant financial barrier to a life-enriching opportunity.

In 2026, the MDA will operate 23 in-person camp sessions and one virtual session, all meticulously designed to be fully accessible. Activities that are staples of summer camp—like swimming, fishing, adaptive sports, and campfire sing-alongs—are adapted so that every child can participate, regardless of their physical abilities. On-site volunteer counselors and licensed medical staff ensure that campers receive the personal and medical support they need, allowing them to experience the independence of being away from home in a safe, nurturing setting.

"As someone who has experienced the impact of MDA Summer Camp firsthand, I'm so grateful for Burn Boot Camp's support year after year," said Lily Sander, MDA National Ambassador, who lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. "Devan, Morgan, and the entire Burn community help make it possible for kids living with neuromuscular diseases to build confidence, make friends, and create memories that last a lifetime, at no cost to families!" Her testimony highlights the profound personal impact of the program, which provides a rare space where children are not defined by their diagnosis but celebrated for who they are.

A Blueprint for Purpose-Driven Partnership

The enduring collaboration between Burn Boot Camp and the MDA serves as a compelling blueprint for how corporate-nonprofit alliances can achieve sustained, growing impact. In an era where consumers increasingly expect brands to demonstrate authentic social responsibility, this decade-long partnership stands out for its clarity of purpose and measurable results.

The campaign's success is rooted in its strategic alignment. Burn Boot Camp's core mission is to empower its members to become physically and mentally strong. The “Be Their Muscle” campaign provides a perfect channel for that strength to be directed outward, creating a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with its member base. The slogan itself brilliantly connects the physical act of building muscle in the gym with the act of providing strength and support to children who face muscular degeneration.

"This campaign is about far more than fundraising. It's about creating life-changing experiences and core memories for children living with neuromuscular diseases," explained Ruth Ann Daily, Chief Development Officer at MDA. "The Burn Boot Camp community's generosity helps make MDA Summer Camp possible for hundreds of families each year, and we're deeply grateful for their partnership." This gratitude reflects a relationship that has moved beyond transactional fundraising to become a deeply integrated, mission-driven collaboration that generates not only funds but also crucial awareness for the neuromuscular disease community.

As the MDA celebrates its 75-year legacy of advancing research, care, and advocacy, partnerships like this are vital. The funds from “Be Their Muscle” contribute to a broader ecosystem of support that includes funding for over 30 FDA-approved treatments in the last decade and a network of over 150 specialized care centers. The campaign proves that when a company effectively mobilizes its community around a shared cause, the results can be truly transformative, providing a powerful model for success in the 21st century.