MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Cross Fit gym is celebrating its one year in business by giving back to the community.

Dropout Athletics is located in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee. This gym and four others in the Milwaukee area will be open and hosting classes 24 hours a day at the end of this month.

The day-long celebration begins at 7 a.m. on September 30 and ends at 7 a.m. on October 1.

Zach DeBoer does not own the gym, but he is an active member. He came up with a 24-hour recovery program called Muscles for Mel’s.

“The biggest goal is to uplift the community that we have and show people what it’s like to serve others, put others before yourself and see the magic that happens,” DeBoer said.

All money raised during the charity drives will go directly to the Ozaukee County-based non-profit organization, Mel’s Charities.

The organization has been around for 24 years. He supports many charities, especially those that help children with special needs. It also funds memorials to people who have died and supports projects that impact the community.

Tom “Mel” Stanton is the CEO of Mel’s Charities. He said he is excited to expand his organization’s footprint from Ozaukee to Riverwest. He said he is also inspired by emerging businesses that want to give back.

(Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“It means a lot to us that this next generation believes in our mission. I am happy to know that the future is bright not only for Mel’s Charities, but also for this next generation of leaders who want to give back,” said Stanton.

Jessie Schaub is one of the co-owners of Cross Fit Gym. She said her company is all about giving back as it grows.

“We’re trying to get fitter, we’re trying to get healthier and stronger for our families, but what else can we do with it,” she said. “We are very lucky to be healthy and good individuals, but what can we do outside of our own little world?”

They will join the 24-hour return TrainMoment, Solidcore, Sprint Boss and Bar Code.