Walking Toward Wellness, One Step at a Time
Obesity is one of the most pressing health issues of our time—and it's often misunderstood. This fall, join TOPS as we move together in support of obesity research, education and prevention. Whether you join a community walk, start your own or move in your own way—every step counts.
🧡 October is TOPS Fights Obesity Month
We’ll accept donations for TOPS Fights Obesity from September through November, but October marks the peak of our campaign. Chapters can hold their own events, or members can ask their Coordinator if a walk will be held during their Fall Rally.
Why We Move: Sharing the Truth About Obesity
Obesity isn’t about willpower or simply “eating too much.” It’s a complex chronic disease. One in eight people in the world are living with obesity, according to recent data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia and even mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.
People living with obesity often face judgment instead of help. That stigma prevents people from getting care, support or respect.
At TOPS, we know better. We move because we care. We move to raise awareness, to support science and to rewrite the story around obesity. TOPS Fights Obesity is a chance to show that this is a disease worth fighting—with compassion, research and education.
Where the Money Goes
Your donations make a real impact. They support:
-
The Obesity and Metabolic Research Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin
-
Obesity Canada Research
-
And the many educational resources and support systems TOPS provides through chapter meetings, materials and outreach
We’re fighting this disease one step at a time—and every donation fuels that mission.
Donation Incentives
We’re grateful for your support and want to thank you for being a part of this important effort. Participants who reach the following fundraising milestones will receive these thank-you gifts based on their total amount raised:
🎽 $50 or more
Receive a free TOPS Fights Obesity T-shirt
The shirt is also available to purchase for $25 in the TOPS Store, no donation required. [link to purchase coming soon!]
💡$100 or more
T-shirt + TOPS Classic Coffee Mug
🌟 $200 or more
T-shirt + TOPS Classic Coffee Mug + entry to win an Amazon gift card
📰 $500 or more
T-shirt + TOPS Swag Bag (including the TOPS Classic Coffee Mug) + entry to win an Amazon gift card + shoutout in an upcoming issue of TOPS News
We’ll have a total of five Amazon gift cards up for grabs in the drawing for participants at the $200 and $500 levels. Winners will be picked in early December and contacted directly.
Important Note: Incentives apply to the participant raising the funds—not to each sponsor. T-shirts and other items are limited to one per participant, regardless of the total raised or number of sponsors. Incentives are only available September-November.
How to Participate
1️⃣ Choose Your Move
Pick an activity you enjoy—walking, stretching, dancing, swimming, you name it! Anything that gets you moving counts. (For any group activity, don’t forget a TOPS exercise waiver.)
Remember, your area may have a walk planned for your Fall Rally or a different time. Ask your Coordinator if there are any TOPS Fights Obesity events planned near you!
2️⃣ Set a Goal
It could be 10,000 steps, five laps around your neighborhood each day for a month or stretching every day—your pace, your way. Once you’ve got it, fill out your pledge sheet.
3️⃣ Gather Support
Ask friends, family, neighbors or coworkers to sponsor you. Every dollar raised fuels the fight against obesity through research and education.
4️⃣ Spread the Word
Post your progress with friends or on social media with the hashtag #TOPSFightsObesity. Share why you’re moving and who you’re moving for.
If you need some caption ideas, we’ve put together a few for you!
5️⃣ Celebrate!
Did you meet your goal? Great job! Send in your pledge sheet and any check donations. If you raised funds online, you’re already set—just email us your T-shirt size at order@tops.org if you qualify. (T-shirts are only for the participant raising the funds and are limited to one incentive per participant). Please include your name and donation amount.
Questions
- For donation or shirt questions, contact: order@tops.org
- For event help, contact your Coordinator
- T-shirts are mailed after we receive qualifying donations and size info
- Checks should be made payable to: TOPS Club, Inc.
📬 Mail to: TOPS Fights Obesity, PO Box 070360, Milwaukee, WI 53207 - If you would like to donate to TOPS outside of TOPS Fights Obesity months (September-November), you can go here.
LET’S GET MOVING, TOPS NATION!
Together, we’re fighting obesity through movement, education and community support.