A Letter From Howell Wechsler: An Important Ask

As 2016 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect upon this year’s accomplishments and to ask for your support as we move forward into an exciting new year of work. When history chronicles 2016 at the Alliance, what will be recorded? Here are some of my favorite highlights:

• The Alliance’s work in schools, juvenile justice facilities, and out-of-school time sites has reached more than 21 million young people — including more than 36,000 schools and more than 2,600 out-of-school time sites.
• In September, the Alliance launched its “America’s Healthiest Schools” digital marketing campaign, bringing national visibility to the 328 National Healthy Schools Program Award winners and encouraging campaign visitors to play a role in creating a culture of health in their neighborhood schools. The campaign was supported by a full-page advertisement in USA Today and a social media campaign, as well as promotion by 70+ sponsors, celebrities, and national partners. The campaign had the largest reach of any Alliance marketing campaign, including 30 million impressions of the hashtag, #HealthiestSchools, 200,000 video views, and 75 million media impressions.
• The Alliance officially launched its community work to reduce calorie consumption from beverages in the Mississippi Delta and Alabama’s Greater Montgomery area. This work will build on the commitment that the Alliance negotiated with beverage companies to reduce per capita caloric intake from beverages, nationwide, by 20%. The targeted communities include the counties with 2nd and 4th highest obesity rates in the country. 

Working in partnership with many like-minded organizations and individuals, we’ve been successful in changing the environments where children spend their time — from schools to afterschool programs to restaurants and doctor’s offices.

While we’ve made great strides toward our goal, our mission remains critically important to ensuring the health of the next generation.

Earlier this year we completed a rigorous planning process to review and refocus our work. Our new five-year strategic plan will drive the Alliance’s continued commitment to work with schools, communities and businesses to ensure the environments that surround young people provide and promote good health.

Please consider making a year-end gift to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Your donation will help to make a meaningful difference in our ability to improve the health of children.

Good health should not be optional for children — it’s a fundamental right that we must ensure they enjoy, so they will achieve their full potential. With your support, this goal can be a reality.

The Alliance would not be where it is today without your continued support and dedication. Thank you for making this year such a success!

Best,

Howell Wechsler

Chief Executive Officer