The Challenge

Spring Burgess-Ashley is always up for a challenge – and this year so were over 300,000 others who signed up for Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge.

As sole sponsor of the Challenge, State Farm is helping Dr. Ian build awareness about the dangers of obesity and making it possible for people to learn how to lose weight for free. Along with a 2007 nationwide kick-off tour, the Challenge directs people to State Farm agents’ offices for free weight loss kits. 50millionpounds.com tracks pounds lost, generates a community environment, and motivates participants to live healthier.

“We’re always looking for ways to get more people involved in the 50 Million Pound Challenge. We carry information kits everywhere we go. I’ll bet we’ve given out hundreds, if not thousands.”

– Spring Burgess-Ashley, State Farm Agent

 “We’ve set up events at the mayor’s office, local churches, women’s groups – we’ve been all over,” said Spring, a Milwaukee agent. Spring also offered up office space so Challenge participants without other means to a computer could sign up and record weight loss. As an added benefit, Spring’s office built relationships with over 150 new clients in 2007 as a result of the Challenge.

Although the Challenge focuses on helping the African-American community fight a growing obesity problem, everyone can join. 

People everywhere are taking on the challenge and, “as a result, we’re building relationships with future customers,” said Spring.