In the City of Chestermere, some names circle around that pretty much everyone knows. Two of these would definitely be Andrew Marriott and Brett Beninger. If you haven’t heard of them, Andrew is the Franchisee of our beloved Tim Hortons (as well as a few others) and Brett is the Owner of The Point (restaurant located inside Lakeside Greens Golf Course). But these two men are much much more to the Chestermere community. Not only do both of them run very successful businesses in our city that are loved by its residents, but both of these men also call Chestermere home and give back to the community on a very regular basis.
But now, instead of donating product or gift certificates, they have decided to raise some money while losing some weight. So, they’ve thrown out a challenge to each other and this is how it will shake down. January 14th, they sat together at Boston Pizza to have ‘the last supper’ and their initial weigh in. For ten weeks, however they chose to do it, they have both dedicated themselves to lose weight – with weigh ins happening every Friday morning at the local Anytime Fitness. They have set the goal to lose 35 lbs.
At the end of these 10 weeks, a final weigh in will happen and a winner announced. The bet is that the loser has to donate $500 to the winner’s charity of choice. Brett has chosen Chestermere Family Services, a great charity that focuses on giving back to our community, guiding our youth and providing social assistance to those in need. Andrew’s charity is the Chestermere Lion’s Club and specifically their support of the Canada Guide Dogs. Along with the donation, the loser will also be working in the others restaurant for a full day. So in just over a couple months you could end up seeing your double double being handed to you by Mr. Beninger or your yummy ribs being served to you by Mr. Marriott.
“So the last couple of years, while my business went from 1 to 4 locations, my stress levels and good food consumption suffered. I did gain weight as instead of a structured breakfast and lunch, my meals changed to eating in my truck and on the run. It seemed that Brett had other challenges in his life, new baby and The Point Restaurant was serving some pretty yummy foods. Brett and I gained almost the same weight in the past 18 months. So it took a few trash talks from me and the younger man finally caved. Am I confident I will win? Yup, Brett has a new born at home, I can’t picture him not having a beer or 5 during the NFL playoffs, and he has a weakness for his Restaurant’s Juicy ribs. Even though I got about 10 years on him, I think that his taste buds will get the best of him. Let’s say this will be like taking candy from a baby! I am looking forward to putting Brett to work in my drive thru one busy morning after our 10 week challenge is over. “, explained Marriott.
Beninger answered back with, “Over the last few years of opening restaurants, fitness and clean eating always seems to take a back seat to 18 hour days and the odd beer after work. I have been looking for something to motivate me into really giving getting back into shape a solid effort. When Andrew came up with the idea of a competition it was a no brainer. I mean, I already beat him at golf, poker and hockey on a regular basis…how hard can getting back into shape be?”
Win or lose, it goes without saying that these men are doing a great thing – not only in raising money for two amazing local organizations, but also inspiring the community to take care of themselves.
