When a dear friend came to our house this past New Year’s Day for our Annual Black-eyed Pea-Good Luck party, my husband, Luis, in his usual way asked Jenn Blessing what her New Year’s goals/resolutions might be. Now let me explain, this Good luck party is the one time in the year that we really spend time reflecting on where we have been and where we and our friends want to be. Jenn tells Luis that she wants to organize a fund-raiser. With eyebrows up, he asks (in his no-nonsense kind of way) what is stopping you? Hence, Pushups for Charity – Frederick, MD (PUC) was born.
Now I have never heard of this event before, but apparently it is organized and done all over the US. Americans from everywhere do as many pushups as they can in 90 seconds to raise money and show support of men and women who are currently serving in our Military. Pushups for Charity’s sole benefactor is the Boot Campaign, a national nonprofit that provides assistance to our military and their families.
In just a few short months, Jenn organized a team and worked on hosting this event here in Frederick, MD.
Harley-Davidson of Frederick did not hesitate to allow PUC to use their large parking lot on 355 in Frederick, MD. They have been a friend of the Military for as long as I can remember and if there is an event that brings support and awareness to our service men and women, HD-Frederick is usually in front of it.
Jenn’s team was impressive . . . by the time I got there on Saturday afternoon, May 31, setting up was well underway. The list of supporters was fantastic.
United Steam Fire Engine Co #3, US Army Recruiting-Frederick, Southern Frederick County Rotary Club, Dynamic Fitness, Willie Wilson and Shew-sical Entertainment Services were all there to support. Everything from location, food, water, mats, shirts, hats, music, water bottles and prizes were donated as well as a few pushups. My friend and fellow photographer, Chandler Schwede, with Caroline’s Eye Photography, was on point to help me make sure photos were captured of the beautiful day. I am sure her training in the Marine Corps made for great form with her pushups, she made them look easy.
* * * * The Lodge is allowing the team to bartend Monday (June 2) from 5-11pm 10% of all food sold will be donated as well as all bar tips. . .So if you are looking for a great place to eat, head out there. * * * *
There was even a group of ‘kids for soldiers’ providing face painting.
Jenn opened the ceremony giving a brief description of how everything was going to go and then introduced Luis Almodóvar Jr, MSGT (Retired) (yes, he is related) for Opening Remarks. 
Luis dedicated his pushups to a dear friend, Chris Terry, Army Sgt, that recently passed away due to complications in his fight to beat cancer and his surviving spouse, Melissa.
Luis introduced the beautiful Sonia Amir Bowie, Miss Maryland 2000. Ms. Bowie sang a touching rendition of our National Anthem. 
She is an awesome lady, she even did pushups in her dress and sandals. One classy lady. 
The afternoon was filled with what else but . . . PUSHUPS!!!
Even the kids did pushups. Of course, they believe they can do anything. I think Jude’s dad told me that Jude’s shoulder started hurting and Jude wanted to do more pushups, so he did them with one arm. Way to go Jude!!!!
There were the young, the not so young, the strong, the determined, the doubtful, the concerned, the tired, the princess, the soldier, men, women and children dedicated to reaching the goal of 10,000 Pushups that day. Some participants did more than one round. Annie Foster did 4 rounds, each with over 100 pushups. I myself did 2 rounds, of course mine was not as impressive as Annie’s record. But I respectfully did 56 my first round and 67 my second. Oorah!!! (as the Marines would say)
As we approached the end of the evening, we were close and we were determined to reach our goal . . . there was not a vacant mat in that parking lot as we lined up side by side to do. . .yet another round.
And we made it!!! We reached 10,920 pushups and raised over $5,000 for the Boots Campaign! Whew!!
Jenn Blessing, you did it girl!! You did an amazing job, Congratulations! I salute you!
Brian Blessing you deserved that congratulatory hug from Drew!!! You are an inspiration to your kids.