WPAL-DuBois Fitness Center Celebrates 10 Years Of Community Impact And Milestones With Special Event On Wednesday, October 15th

on 21 August, 2025 at 08:07

For Immediate Release:

DuBois, PA — This October, WPAL Boxing & Fitness Center will celebrate 10 years of changing lives through free fitness programs for kids and First Responders, along with countless community events that have brought people together, inspired hope, and created lasting memories.

Since opening, WPAL has proudly welcomed over 4,000 kids and more than 500 First Responders through its doors — all at no cost. But the impact goes far beyond the gym. Over the past decade, WPAL has become a hub for community events, hosting activities that have touched thousands of lives in DuBois and beyond.

Signature events over the past 10 years include:

Hosting the Western Pennsylvania Golden Gloves boxing championships for a decade.
Organizing an International Exchange Boxing Event, The St Paddys Showdown that welcomed boxers and families from Ireland to stay in the community, share culture, and compete before sellout crowds.
The WPAL Wicked Warrior Obstacle Course — a free event for kids filled with challenges and fun.
The SlamJam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament bringing athletes and families together.
The Kick the Stigma Mental Health Festival / Day of Wellness, which featured kickball and pickleball tournaments, art contests, musicians, speakers, and more.
A “Touch a Chopper” event, landing two helicopters on the DuBois Country Club Golf Course.
The annual Glow Golf FORE First Responders Scramble, now in its 12th year.
Teen dances for suicide awareness that combined fun with important conversations.
And countless other programs and activities designed to engage, support, and uplift the community.

WPAL has also grown beyond fitness. Inside the gym, WPAL added Baka’s Barbershop, run by an experienced therapist and licensed barber who provides both haircuts and meaningful conversations with kids and First Responders, offering a unique space for care, support and healing. Baka’s just celebrated their 5 Year Anniversary.

A Decade of Service

“This has never just been about boxing or fitness,” said Aaron M Beatty, Executive Director at WPAL. “We have done all of this to help our kids, our community, and the people who serve it. We could not be more proud, and we are deeply appreciative of the people and partners who have supported us along the way.”

Anniversary Celebration Event

To mark the milestone, WPAL will host a 10-Year Anniversary Celebration in partnership with the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce:

📅 Wednesday, October 15
🕓 4:00–8:00 PM

📍 WPAL Fitness Center

37 E Long Ave

DuBois, PA 15801

The event will feature:

🥊 Live sparring exhibitions
💬 Opportunities to meet and talk with coaches and trainers
🥂 Hors d’oeuvres & drinks
🤝 Networking with community leaders

The entire community is invited to celebrate a decade of impact and a future of continued service.

About WPAL Boxing & Fitness Center

WPAL Boxing & Fitness Center provides 100% free access to kids and First Responders, with a mission to empower individuals through fitness, mentorship, and opportunity. Over the past decade, WPAL has inspired thousands of young people to pursue careers, college degrees, and most importantly, healthier and happier lives.

🌐 Learn more at: wpaldubois.org | team814.org | wpal.org

CONTACT Aaron M. Beatty for more information or to RSVP

info@wpal.org (814)-299-7640