BAC Brings It: Fitness Inspired Gala
More than 100 people celebrated at BAC's 2nd Annual Fitness Inspired Gala at the Art in the Loft. The gala was centered on success stories from 2009, as captured in our "60 Second Inspirations" on WBKB-TV each week. The gala featured a surprise unveiling of the "Top Ten Inspirations."

Each honoree was asked to speak about his or her transformation and offer advice to others who need to begin their journey. A panel of three celebrity judges: Karmon Bjella, ARMC, Cher Allen, WBKB-TV and Steve Murch, The Alpena News selected a runner run and a winner.

Runner-up Paul Aikens shared his story of having a heart attack scare at age 40. As a result, his wife signed him up for a BAC boot camp. He has now lost 60 lbs and is the best shape of his life, thanks to support from Melanie. He's completed two boot camps, a Corporate Fit Challenge at La Farge and has inspired many. Paul won a lot of admiration from the audience and a $250.00 travel voucher from World Wide Travel and Bay Athletic Club.

Bob and Karen Brancheau took home top honors by winning the Top Inspiration Story from 2009. Bob participated in a Corporate Fit Challenge through his wife's workplace and has since lost more than 40 pounds, reduced his cholesterol from 220 to 185 and gotten off all blood pressure medication. He told the audience that he was a true skeptic when he started and had very unhealthy habits, including drinking a 30-pack of beer each week and never exercising. He couldn't believe how two months impacted his life. He thanked his wife for her support and BAC for helping him find his way. Bob is a regular at the club every morning and is fit and happy. Bob and Karen are thrilled to go on their "second honeymoon" to the Westin Resort in New Orleans, courtesy of Stacey McEwen of World Wide Travel and Trina Gray of Bay Athletic Club.

All honorees were awarded a beautiful black and white photograph, taken by Therese Muszynski to celebrate their healthy "after" look. They were also given wallets with $50.00 in gift certificates to area businesses.

Although the real gift is something that can't be spent, or taken away. It's the gift of health and happiness found through active living.

Need to be inspired? Here are the Top 10 of 2009.
1. Kevin and Karrie Schaedig
2. Diane Delekta
3. Nikki Bloom
4. Owen Werth
5. Ron and Irma McDonald
6. Eric and Kristin Precord
7. Diane Bromund
8. Brenda Styma
9. Paul Aikens
10. Bob and Karen Brancheau