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Spotlight EventsWellness

PA 250 Power and Purpose Wellness Event

Celebrate with Billy Blanks while supporting Bethany Outreach Center

by Gretchen Gallagher-Durney
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3 hours ago
Contributed
If you’ve ever wanted to work out with Erie fitness and martial arts legend Billy Blanks, now is your chance. Join the folks from the Bethany Outreach Center as they welcome Blanks to Erie for a wellness conference, which will feature speaking events and gym sessions to help promote living a healthy lifestyle.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

This event packs quite the punch. With Erie's own Billy Blanks, renowned creator of Tae Bo, the gifts of his niece Mabel Howard, and support for Bethany Outreach Center all rolled into one – this event is one for the books.

Blanks will return to his hometown to lead an inspiring, transformative day of movement, motivation, and purpose on Sept. 12. The PA 250 Power and Purpose Wellness Conference will celebrate America's 250th anniversary while honoring a legacy of leadership, perseverance, and purpose as Blanks will lead workout sessions and share his story in hopes of inspiring Erie to embrace healthier and more empowered lifestyles.

There are multiple sessions and tickets available to meet everyone's needs – lifelong Tae Bo fans, coaches and community advocates, or those just taking the first step on their wellness journey. Howard, executive director of Bethany Outreach Center, said, "It is a great honor to welcome my Uncle Billy Blanks back to Erie for this historic event. PA 250 Power and Purpose is a celebration of our city, our health, and our shared commitment to lifting one another up. Together, we will move with purpose, live with purpose, and give with purpose. This is a movement of faith."

All proceeds from the event will directly support Bethany Outreach Center's mission to fight hunger by providing nutritious meals and compassionate care to individuals and families throughout the Erie community.

The event was carefully crafted by Howard and Blanks and received backing from ECGRA. Howard said planning and leading the event has brought her great joy, "Because of my close relationship with the honoree, I have an opportunity to shape this event in a way in which he would approve. That has been a wonderful experience and I will not take it for granted." 

Session One at 8 a.m., Session Two at 9 a.m., Session Three at 11 a.m. // First two workout sessions at Ascend Climbing Gym (426 State St.), final workout session and community celebration at St. John's Lutheran Church Gymnasium (2216 Peach St.) // $25 and up // For more information and to purchase tickets: portal.eventio.ai

PA250Power and PurposeBilly BlanksTae BoBethany Outreach Center

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September 2026: Back to (Old) School
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 9
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