A Hall of Fame Event Worthy of Its Name

Dave Mortensen couldn’t make the event due to family commitments, which, if you read his biography, is true to his priority of putting family first, a quality that helps make him the successful leader that he is.

Jack LaLanne passed in 2011 at the age of 96. His wife, Elaine, also lovingly known as LaLa, was there to accept her award and Jack's on his behalf. After the induction ceremony, she also was the guest of honor at a birthday party celebrating her 100th birthday, which was March 19. The HFA-hosted party featured a multilayer cake and a compilation of videos from celebrity well-wishers that included Billy Crystal, Tony Danza, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Orlando, and former Ms. Olympia Cory Everson. Introducing LaLa onstage was Dateline NBC correspondent Keith Morrison, whose smooth baritone voice aligned with the gravitas of the moment. Still active and lively on the eve of turning the century mark, LaLa graciously posed with fans, who celebrated a woman who didn’t just help launch the fitness industry but was also one of the first female television producers in history.

Also appearing at the ceremony was fitness pioneer Kathy Smith, who has sold more than 16 million exercise videos since launching her career in 1980. Still looking fabulous at 74 years old, Smith appeared onstage to help wish LaLa a happy and healthy birthday.

Ticket sales and sponsorships for the HFA Hall of Fame ceremony raised more than $200,000 for the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity that works to support health through exercise, including through grants to HFA member facilities.

At the event, Amy Bantham, executive director of the HFA Foundation, introduced the recipients of two HFA Foundation grants: Reh‑Fit Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Columbia Association in Columbia, Maryland. The May issue of HFB will have more on the HFA Foundation grant recipients.