Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Commission Chair Cynthia Moore Chestnut has received an invitation to attend the Kick-Off Event for First Lady Michelle Obama's Childhood Obesity Initiative.  The event takes place on February 9, 2010 at 11 a.m. at THEARC (The Town Hall Education, Arts & Recreation Campus) located at 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020.  To view the THEARC website click here.

At the event, First Lady Michelle Obama will unveil her nationwide campaign to combat childhood obesity.  Members of the Cabinet, as well as media, sports, entertainment, and business leaders, alongside elected officials, the medical community, and others, will join her.  The First Lady will announce the elements of the nationwide campaign to solve the problem of childhood obesity within the next generation.

"I am honored to represent the citizens of Alachua County as First Lady Michelle Obama unveils her initiative to tackle childhood obesity," Chair Chestnut said in speaking of the invitation,  "Last fall, I along with members of the Healthy Communities Dialogue group, began to address this issue in our community.  With one-third of children in Alachua County overweight or obese, we stand ready to accept the challenge and join the First Lady's initiative."

For more information, contact the Communications Office at 352-374-5204.