HARTZ Physical Therapy (PT) recently presented a check for $20,000 to GiGi's Playhouse Lancaster, a nonprofit Down Syndrome Achievement Center. The money was the result of HARTZ PT's 20th annual Fall Blast 5K Run, Walk and Kids Color Run, which was held Oct. 7 at John R. Bonfield Elementary School in Lititz. This year's race had 322 registered runners braving the elements on a rainy Saturday morning. Brian Petraco from East Petersburg came in first place with a time of 16 minutes, 17.8 seconds.

According to Alisha Fitzwater, GiGi's board member and volunteer, GiGi's Playhouse's membership has tripled in the past 3.5 years, and the site currently provide programs for approximately 400 families. She said that the funds will go to help with the renovation of a new building, which will expand the space from 2,400 to 7,400 square feet to better accommodate GiGiFIT Gym, tutoring and other programs.

Through the HARTZ PT Charitable Organization founded in 2020, HARTZ PT spends an average of 50 volunteer hours and contributes more than $1,000 per employee in support of local charities each year. To date, the company has raised more than $331,000 by planning various charitable events, including an April food drive to benefit Power Packs Project called Feed the Need and the annual Spring Swing golf tournament.

Bench Mark Program, Off the Streets Lancaster, A Week Away, Aaron's Acres, Lancaster Science Factory and Hospice of Lancaster are a few of the local charities which have benefitted from HARTZ PT's charitable programs.