By Lindsay Buchanan (Florence, SC) — Mary McLeod was named the $1,000 winner of Florence’s Biggest Loser on Thursday night, one of 60 contestants who collectively lost more than 1,000 pounds through United Way of Florence County’s Burn and Learn initiative and fundraiser.
“This program is the best thing that has happened,” McLeod said holding back tears. “It has changed so many people’s lives, including mine. This is for all 60 contestants. You’ve worked hard, everybody.”
After 10 weeks of pushing themselves to the limit and beyond with exercise and changed nutritional habits, the contestants and sponsors of Biggest Loser celebrated their success during a ceremony at Victor’s Bistro and later with a dance party at Da Massimo in downtown Florence.
Contestants were emotional as they thanked their trainers and support teams, including second-place winner John McElwee, who decided to return his $500 prize to United Way to add to it annual campaign, which will be wrapping up next week.
“I really, really want to thank the United Way and McLeod,” McElwee said. “This has been a life-changing program. I should have done something like this five years ago, and after I read about this contest in the paper, I wanted to join and wanted to perform and do my best and I’m just so appreciative.”
However, as thankful as the contestants were, it was evident that their hard work and determination had made an even bigger impact on the people who watched and supported their journey.
Emcee Kimberly Fredrick, a personal trainer for McLeod Health and Fitness Center, took a moment to thank the contestants for their inspiration in her life.
“We as trainers have days where we don’t want to do our workouts too, but every time I knew my girls were doing their homework (home workouts) I made myself do mine, too, even if it meant going in my garage after my kids were asleep,” Fredrick said. “This is the beginning of your healthy new life. Make the dedication to continue to better yourself. Tonight you are Florence’s biggest winners.”
Biggest Loser officials declined to say how much weight the winner, or any other contestant, lost individually.
Contestant Modestine Brody walked away with the True Grits award, a recognition earned through nominations from other contestants and trainers, for showing the most determination throughout the contest, winning a makeover from Belk and MAC Cosmetics. Meanwhile, contestant Linda Strauss won The Main Ingredient Award, and a gift card from Academy Sports and Outdoors, for raising more than $200 for the United Way’s annual campaign through donations from family and friends.
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