Exercising Good Will (and Glutes) to Benefit DeCecca Children’s Fund

When , one of Melrose's favorite moms, this July, many friends, neighbors, and residents, wondering how to help her husband, John, and their two young daughters, Olivia and Ella, sent cards, casseroles, and heartfelt condolences. 

Jeff Barriss, owner of 0600 Conditioning, a kettlebell-based boot camp, wanted to do more.  In September, he decided to lend support through his fitness business, offering free, one-hour conditioning classes on Saturdays. In exchange for the usual drop-in fee, any money donated would directly benefit the DeCecca Children's Fund, set up at .

A worthwhile goal of $2,500 was set. Word was sent via e-mail to existing boot camp clients who quickly spread the message to friends around the city.

"We were somewhat low-key," MaryAnn Barriss, Jeff's wife said. "We wanted it to be word of mouth."

In short time, the goal was reached, surprising everyone. Jeff decided to continue the benefit classes through the end of the year, ambitiously raising the goal to $4,000. As of Friday this week, the boot camp is just $400 short of reaching the new goal. They have only one day—Saturday, Dec. 18—to accomplish it. 

Over the past few months, many have participated in the benefit sessions, including Jeff's wife, Maryann, who initially wanted to mail in a check. Instead, she disciplined herself with her own goals: attend a session every Saturday, donating a set amount. And if, for any reason she missed a session, donate double. 

"In the end, I ended up donating what I wanted to in the beginning," she said, but noted the personal, emotional, as well as physical connection to her donation. 

Many groups, she added, also jumped in to the sessions, looking for some way to help, including members of the swim team and employees of , where Dina had worked.

Tomorrow's session is, for now, the last one.  At this point, there are no firm plans to continue the benefit classes.  

To help 0600 Conditioning reach their $4,000 goal, and get some pre-holiday exercise in at the same time, set your alarm clock early and drop in.  While some boot camp sessions are held outdoors at Pine Banks, this last benefit session will be held indoors from 7-8 a.m. at the 0600 Lab, located at 99 Washington St., next to . 

So, no pain, no gain, and no excuses.  Exercise your giving as you see "fit." 

The 0600 Conditioning's last benefit class for the DeCecca Children's Fund will be held this Saturday, at 0600 Lab, from 7-8am.  This is a drop-in session.  All donations will directly go the fund set up at Melrose Cooperative Bank.

If you'd like to donate, but are unable to make the boot camp session, memorial contributions made be made to the DeCecca Children's Fund, c/co Melrose Cooperative Bank, 638 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176.