Lynne Kunins
Before a packed house of nearly 500 guests, Lynne Kunins, Founder and CEO of the non-profit organization FLIPANY (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth), was honored as Mother of the Year on May 3 at the 25th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon held at the Signature Grand hosted by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County.
This event, marking its silver anniversary year, celebrates the spirt of Mother’s Day by honoring outstanding individuals who exemplify qualities of kindness, caring, sacrifice and generosity to children in the community. Kunins was chosen for her tireless dedication to ending the effects of food insecurity and inactivity (obesity) on youth in lower-income communities. Under her direction, FLIPANY has built super-charged teams and networks of registered dietitians and nutritionists, culinary professionals, sports and TV celebrities, exercise and recreation experts, sought-after program managers and high-profile business executives to further its mission.
Founded in 2005, FLIPANY has grown from two part-time employees to 19 full-time and seven part-time staff members, providing 10 different health and wellness programs to Florida residents. FLIPANY has empowered youth and adults through physical activity and nutrition programs while raising awareness and creating policy changes for healthier communities.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is dedicated to saving lives, guiding futures and inspiring hope. Its mission is to reducing infant deaths by strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, parenting, education and support services since 1987. The Mother’s Day Luncheon is the main fundraising event that benefits thousands of families and infants in need.
Today, about one in three American children and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the U.S., topping drug abuse and smoking (American Heart Association).
FLIPANY implements programs that focus on improving the health and wellness of overweight/obese children and their families, and preventing heart disease and diabetes in these children as they become adults. Its programs use evidence-based curriculums to teach essential skills for lifestyle changes, including childhood weight management intervention, nutrition education, dietary counseling, promotion of physical activity, structured exercise and family behavioral modification. FLIPANY gives parents and children a positive, safe approach to a healthier lifestyle, regardless of where they live or income level.
About FLIPANY
FLIPANY’s (Florida Introduces Physical Activity & Nutrition to Youth)mission is to empower youth and their families through physical activity and nutrition education programs while raising awareness and creating policies for a healthier community. FLIPANY serves youth and families, including seniors, through collaborations with community centers, parks, and other social services agencies. For more information, visit www.FLIPANY.org.
