U.S. Century Bank exec is biggest loser in weight-loss fundraiser

By Priscilla Greear

At the final weigh-in of a Coral Gables charity weight-loss competition, U.S. Century Bank Senior Vice President Frank Fernandez victoriously faced the scale as the biggest loser—slimming down by 18 pounds since November.

His strategy for success: avoiding overeating at social functions and increasing both his gym workout quality and frequency. Plus he takes the stairs more and parks farther away in the parking lot.

His personal trainer “gave me a kick start that set off the whole thing. … It helps you to continue to stay on target in training and a little more focused on diet — eating less,” he said. “I feel way better. As you feel healthier it serves pretty much everything else. … I’m going to hurry up and alter my pants to make sure I can’t fall back.”

Mr. Fernandez and 10 other contestants from the Coral Gables community savored the fruits of their labor on Wednesday night, Feb. 24, at Novecento restaurant, 121 Alhambra Plaza.

During the three-month “Losing It Big Time” competition, they were provided a complimentary fitness membership at the Biltmore Hotel along with access to personal training and nutrition consultation. They also solicited sponsors who pledged money for pounds lost. Their efforts benefit the CoralGables@HOME program, a membership-based program of the Coral Gables Community Foundation helping older residents to live independently in the own homes as they age.

Mr. Fernandez, 42, had been considering weight loss when project brainchild Jeannett Slesnick, a prominent Gables Realtor and the wife of Mayor Don Slesnick, recruited him.

He felt especially motivated in having an 86-year-old father who lives alone, which has increased his sensitivity to aging issues. “It is a great cause, something that is near and dear to me, and I felt I wanted to do something about it.”

Attorney John Clark Adams of Adams & Adams began putting on pounds after his metabolism slowed about a decade ago—even as he runs long distance. The competition challenged Mr. Adams, 60, to take steps such as avoiding afternoon snacks, eliminating beer during the week and drinking La Croix water.

“I had never concerned myself at all with what I ate or drank. It really got me thinking about a few things I could do. Not a tremendous sacrifice but something I could do consistently to cut back on my calories. I’m really happy I lost seven pounds,” Mr. Adams said. “You’ve got to find out what works for you. It was a wonderful program. It got us focused and trying, and that is 90 percent of the battle.”

Barbara Stein, executive director of Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, gladly supported CoralGables@HOME. “It was a spirited way to work with others in the community, and all the fundraising efforts are fabulous. It’s a great cause. I really think that it’s a great program to make a difference in seniors’ lives. It’s a need and a great way for the city of Coral Gables to stand out as a leader in serving the entire community,” she said. “Stress helps you to put on weight, just my lifestyle. It’s very difficult to control your weight when you’re busy 24/7. It made me very aware and conscious of my health.”

Marli Lutz, executive director of CoralGables@HOME, thanked contestants for their support in raising both money for and awareness of the program established in February 2009, which provides services such as transportation and discounts on vetted home-repair businesses. Mrs. Lutz called it a “fabulous fundraiser,” with pound-to-pledge totals still being calculated.

Star fundraiser Rocco Angelillo, operating partner of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, even secured two donors who pledged $100 per pound. Money raised will help provide CoralGables@HOME memberships for residents who could not otherwise afford them.

Additional participants included Marti Bueso, marketing director of Home Financing Center; Sandra Gonzalez-Levy, senior vice president, Florida International University; Jack Lowell, vice president, Flagler Development; Martin Lynch, proprietor, JohnMartin’s Irish Pub; Ana Maria Rodriguez-Diaz de la Portilla, community relations specialist, Baptist Health South Florida; and Mark Trowbridge, president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Slesnick, who finished second in the competition, conceived the event as a fun way to support CoralGables@HOME, an initiative she got under way as chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation in 2008.

As a Realtor she has seen many people leave their homes for an assisted-living or similar facility after a spouse dies due to a lack of support. She likes how it allows seniors to stay longer in their homes. “It’s fulfilling our (foundation) mission statement by helping to improve the quality of life for seniors living in Coral Gables.”

For more information about CoralGables@HOME, 305-443-4011.