Original version of article printed in Daily Press York/Poquoson Town Square section on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Link can be found at:
One of the greatest assets to growing a successful
business is finding the ability to give back to the community. For some
companies, this can take form in the way of a check or a benefit.
But when you run a gym, particularly the fastest
growing one in York County, everything is about movement and action. This
includes charitable work, a point made clear by Body by D’s owner and president
D’Shawn Wright.
“Yes sir. God is blessing,” says Wright, who has
undergone as much of a transformation as his company over the past year,
dropping about 50 pounds while resculpting himself from a strict weightlifter
to award winning bodybuilder (first in the heavyweight category and best poser
at the most recent National Physique Committee DC/VA
championships).
Ironically, while Wright has gotten smaller, his
workspace has nearly quadrupled, and will finish its transformation on April 1st,
as Body by D Gym expands from 3,400 to almost 12,000 square feet and adds
Fitness Center to its business moniker.
Along with company vice-president Peter Castaldo,
and one or several trainers, the BBD team has spread a wave of community
involvement through Hampton Roads. Over the past year, they have held benefits
for victims of the Virginia Beach helicopter crash, a clothing and supply drive
for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, and a partnership with Salty Paws Vet
and the SPCA.
Speaking to the volume of their charitable efforts,
Castaldo jokes, “We may need a reality show about this.”
But it’s the face-to-face work that draws the most
attention. The BBD team is visible at local schools. Wright and trainer Brian
Hammons spent an afternoon reading with students at Grafton Middle School, as
part of the Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Day festivities. Wright and Castaldo
talked to youths at the Mulberry Inn in Newport News. All three were present
for the recent Body and Sol Gala for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, held at
the City Center Marriott. They have also worked with the DARE program at several
local elementary schools.
Wright particularly likes the meetings with
schoolchildren. “We talk about goal setting and things that will help them. We
look to teach them life skills.”
They even take to the airwaves with their message of
positivity. As a part of the Versatility Radio Network, Wright and Castaldo
host their “Man in the Mirror” radio show from 2:00-2:30 every other Thursday
on WYRM 1120 AM. Guests have included Congressman Scott Rigell, and mayors Will
Sessoms (Virginia Beach) and Molly Ward (Hampton).
Reverend Aaron Wheeler Sr., himself a guest on the “Mirror”
show speaks to the core of Body by D’s involvement in the community. “These
guys are the real deal.”
Their next project may be the largest undertaking to
date. In conjunction with their Versatility radio partner Terry Riddick and his
“Best Kept Secret – Stop the Violence” movement, Rev. Wheeler, and a host of
partners and friends, Best Kept Secret will sponsor “A Unity Walk Day to Stop
the Violence in Our Communities.” The event will begin on Saturday May 4th
at 3:00 PM with a walk from 25th and Chestnut to 2325 Madison Ave., and
then culminate in an overnight campout, ending at 7 AM the following morning.
Says Riddick, “We are committed to overcoming the
challenges in our communities and to being victors and not victims.”
There will be water, food, bounce houses, cotton
candy and popcorn available at the event. Vendors interested in taking part can
call Riddick at 757-725-1199.
Another feature of the day will be free haircuts. Best
Kept Secret has made its name from their offering of free haircuts at Riddick’s
barber shop.
Back at Body by D, the expansion is almost
completely ready for the public, as noted by the beginning of a Zumba class
with Anika Herring on April 1st at 6:30 PM in the newly created space. Other
events will soon be filling up the calendar on their newly created website
(bodybydgym.com).
Donations for the Unity Walk Day are welcome and may
be sent to:
Best Kept Secret – Stop the Violence Organization
P.O. Box 904
Newport News, VA 23607
Yes sir Best Kept Secret-Stop the Violence wants to say we love BodyByDGym and the Brothers Peter and D'shawn.
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