Fundraising Events

May 1, 2025…In honor of ALS Awareness month in May, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS has partnered with health and wellness clubs across the country to raise critical funds for ALS research.  Over 700 clubs will coordinate a 90-minute class this year, the 20^th anniversary of Augie’s Quest to recognize that someone is diagnosed with this fatal disease every 90 minutes.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. It is also known as Lou Gehrig disease or motor neuron disease.  It leads to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis, as motor neurons degenerate and die. 

The fitness industry has been a pivotal force in supporting ALS research through Augie’s Quest. Over the past two decades, this industry has raised over $36 millions contributing significantly to groundbreaking research and awareness bringing us closer to cures and treatments.

Participating clubs include The Alaska Club, Club Greenwood, Crunch Fitness, Fitness Formula Clubs, Genesis Health Clubs, Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Life Time, MVP Sports Clubs, UFC Gym, and more. It’s not too late to sign up – just visit https://augiesquest.org/fitness/ for more information or email AQ@augiesquest.org. Classes can be coordinated any time of the year – not just during ALS Awareness month.

“We’re honored to be uniting the Crunch community across the country through powerful programming that not only celebrates the 20-year legacy of Augie’s Quest but also energizes our members and fitness enthusiasts to move their bodies for meaningful change,” said Chad Waetzig, CMO of Crunch Fitness and Augie’s Quest fitness advisory council member.

Life Time will coordinate their second annual Go90 campaign in October. They were the catalyst for creating the nationwide 90 minute campaign to support Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS.

These collective efforts underscore the fitness industry’s commitment to combating ALS, honoring Augie Nieto’s legacy, and striving toward a future without this devastating disease.

“ALS is relentless, but so are we,” said Lynne Nieto, Chairman at Augie’s Quest. “This campaign is about turning awareness into action. We are asking for just 90 minutes to participate in a fundraiser to honor those affected by ALS and fund groundbreaking research. “

About Augie’s Quest

Founded by Augie Nieto, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is the unwavering force driving breakthroughs in ALS research, defying limitations, and empowering hope for a future without this devastating disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neuron Disease (MND), and Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes the degeneration and eventual death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This results in the wasting away of muscle, loss of movement, and progressive paralysis . One in 400 people will be diagnosed with ALS in their lifetime. Augie’s Quest is committed to advancing the field and translating scientific knowledge into real-world solutions. Through strategic investments, we’ve supported groundbreaking studies that are uncovering new insights and potential treatments. We believe Incurable is Unacceptable. www.augiesquest.org

A Major League Baseball legend becomes an early ALS pioneer

It was a day die-hard Yankee fans were going to witness an unknown first baseman come off the second string bench to earn his starting lineup place in Yankee history. The second day of June in 1925 marked baseball legend Lou Gehrig’s start of his 2,130 record-breaking consecutive MLB game streak, forever recorded in American baseball history.

After an incredible 17-season career, Gehrig was forced into retirement from the early onset of ALS symptoms. It would ironically be on that exact same date sixteen years later that “Iron Horse” Lou Gehrig would die after a three-year battle with ALS, at the young age of 37 on June 2, 1941. 

Major League Baseball takes a historically brave stance against ALS

The Lou Gehrig Day committee of ALS families, caregivers, patients, and MLB players from ALS families, are celebrating Major League Baseball’s decision to officially designate June 2 each year as Lou Gehrig Day. This is major news in the ALS community as 30 MLB teams have endorsed the decision, which will bring major-league awareness to ALS and the fight for a cure.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers are proud to partner with Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. As we remember Gehrig’s legacy and all those lost to ALS during Major League Baseball’s inaugural “Lou Gehrig Day” on June 2, the Dodgers remain committed to raising awareness and funds for research to cure this devastating disease.”
– The Los Angeles Dodgers Organization

MLB’s decision, coming 80 years after Gehrig succumbed to the disease in 1941, marks a landmark commitment from a major American sports league to work to find a cure. Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is proud to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels for this special celebration recognizing Lou Gehrig and honoring those whose lives have been touched by ALS. 

“The Los Angeles Angels are proud to support Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS at Major League Baseball’s inaugural Lou Gehrig Day. Orange County is home to Augie’s Quest founder, Augie Nieto, who is helping to change the lives of people in our community living with ALS. Angels Baseball looks forward to helping Augie’s Quest create a future without ALS.”
– The Los Angeles Angels Organization

June 2, 2021: The inaugural celebration to raise awareness and funds for the fight

The inaugural MLB recognition of Lou Gehrig Day kicks off a festive two-day celebration at all home ballparks across the league. Each home team plans to host ceremonies raising awareness for the disease along  with displaying Lou Gehrig Day branding throughout stadiums, on uniforms, and on all MLB items throughout the day.

“The San Diego Padres are proud to partner with Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS to create awareness for the ALS community.” – Erik Greupner, CEO, The San Diego Padres

When Augie Nieto was diagnosed with ALS over 60 years after the passing of Lou Gehrig, he quickly understood the bleak reality that ALS lacked the critical support or widespread research needed to find treatment and cures. Augie set his sights on defeating his disease and  began his new life’s work —  Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. From the very start, our mission was clear and simple: to find a cure for ALS.

Join Augie’s Quest and our friends in Major League Baseball on June 2 and 3, in celebrating the inaugural MLB recognition of Lou Gehrig Day, as we bring awareness to ALS and our continued fight for a cure, by making a donation today.