PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Let's Celebrate!
Achieving Blue Zones Project Approved™ status is a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations to the following organizations who are helping to make the healthy choice, the easier choice in SWFL.
Organizations
"Naples Personal Training takes a holistic approach to health and well-being, just like Blue Zones Project,"stated owner, Kevin Chiddister. "To successfully change a life, it requires not only physical effort, but also better, healthier emotional, dietary, and philosophical choices. Athletic pursuits are really just a part of a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, physical fitness is the entree to an overall better way to live. The Blue Zones Project’s mission and goals are exactly what we teach—and live—at Naples Personal Training, so our participation is an obvious extension of what we do every day."
According to owner Jennifer Khosla,"Lean and Green Body® wanted to be a part of Blue Zones Project tohelp educate the community on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Our mission is to educate, facilitate and create wellness programs that change the mind, body and spirit of our clients giving them a healthier lifestyle and more positive outlook. Being apart of Blue Zones Project will help us change the lives of those in our community."
First Residential- Tidewater by Del Webb added healthy best practices for their staff and become a BlueZones Project recognized organization on Nov. 6. They are the first HOA in Estero to become recognized not only for their work with their residents (in 2017), but now their staff!
“Countryside’s mission is to provide our members with an enjoyable and valued living experience with quality amenities, services and facilities,” stated Joe Smith, general manager and COO of Countryside Golf & Country Club. “Participating in Blue Zones Project elevates our member offerings through social Moai®, plant-based meal offerings and physical well-being initiatives.”
“Since implementing Blue Zones Project best practices at the Naples Lakes Country Club Fitness/Wellness department, we’ve increased fitness membership participation,” stated Laz Rua, fitness/wellness director at Naples Lakes Country Club. “As a result, our community is more active and more engaged in activities that promote relaxation and de-stressing.”
According to Sue Huff of E. Sue Huff & Associates, “My business mission is to work for results and I believe that participating with Blue Zones Project will help spread well-being within our organization and others – getting life results; and help us to be more creative and think more clearly about the bigger picture – living a healthier and happier life. We plan to incorporate the Blue Zones principles when working with our clients - we want them to also have balance in their lives too.”
Restaurants
"Through the knowledge of the Blue Zones Project, Old 41 Restaurant has been able to inspire our employees to make healthier choices in their own eating habits, while sharing the benefits with our customers," stated Tony Backos, owner of Old 41 Restaurant. "They’ve learned that small changes in eating and living habits, can make a world of difference in helping them feel better and accomplish their lifestyle goals."
Worksites
“The Renaissance Center Club and the Golf Club at Palmira wanted to participate with the Blue Zones Project after hearing about the great job it has done promoting wellness and longevity in Collier County. Our mission has always been to provide our members a space where they’re comfortable and can feel like a part of the whole community enjoying social wellness activities; that is our top priority,” stated Meghan Warner, Renaissance Center Club Activities Director.
Grace Place for Children and Families became a Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite on Nov. 26. The non-profit puts faith into action, providing pathways out of poverty by educating children and families. They are one of the first worksites in Golden Gate to earn approval! 
Schools
"Naples Park Elementary prepares students to be successful both academically and personally," stated Meredith Kirby, principal of Naples Park Elementary. "Through the Blue Zones Project, we are hoping to further educate students about healthy habits and choices they can make in their lives. This project has also inspired us to create more variety in the healthy choices we offer at school so that students can discover their own preferences. For example, before school begins, students have the option to participate in yoga, walk on the walking trail, play on the playground, or participate in different sports on the hardcourt." 
