Louis Yuhasz
Fighting the good fight against childhood obesity

Benevolent Spirit is a fine honor, and would, in fact, be fitting for this year’s recipient, if being “charitable” and having a “kindly disposition” were all that Louis Yuhasz is about. But honestly, “voracious spirit” might be more like it. As the founder, director, and big heart of Louie’s Kids, Yuhasz is insatiable in his fight against childhood obesity. For him, obesity is not only a cause, it’s his life story: his beloved father, Louie, died weighing 550 pounds, and Louis himself was taunted as an overweight kid. And for 25 million American children today, it’s a life-and-death story.

Through Louie’s Kids, Yuhasz has raised $250,000 over the last seven years to send motivated, needy kids to Wellspring Camps, proven, comprehensive adventure-based programs that address lifestyle and behavioral issues related to obesity. While he’s thrilled that kids like Shawna of Boston (now 100 pounds lighter) and TJ from New Mexico (who no longer suffers from Type 2 diabetes) have made life-changing progress, Yuhasz recognizes that the need far outweighs the resources for $6,000-a-shot camp slots. That’s where Fit Club, his latest nonprofit venture, comes in.
Louie’s Kids Fit Club was launched this summer at Mitchell Elementary School in downtown Charleston. The pilot program selected 15 overweight kids and gave them two hours of exercise and professional counseling twice a week for eight weeks, with an elective session on Saturday mornings. “More than half of Title 1 schoolchildren are overweight or obese,” says the tireless Yuhasz, who often joins the kids on exercise outings. “Fit Club helps us reach a broader audience at a lower cost.” At press date, the group had lost 72 pounds, with attendance at an impressive 94 percent. Yuhasz hopes to build on this success and offer Fit Club in schools across the district.

His passion for battling the obesity epidemic one child at a time has garnered recognition from Governor Mark Sanford and TV talk-show host Rachael Ray. He’s hit on a hot topic, to be sure: a recent federal government study projects that if current trends continue, 100 percent of American adults will be overweight by 2048. But Yuhasz isn’t motivated by media buzz; he’s after the renewed sparkle in kids’ eyes, the rekindling of their self-confidence.

“Louis is one of those rare, electric people,” says Ben Mayer, a former WCIV producer who met Louis while filming a segment on Louie’s Kids. “His ebullience and ability to accomplish seemingly impossible goals are incredible to watch. He’s making a real difference with real kids in ways that are utterly inspiring.”

—Stephanie Hunt