Help save AAG, a historic Lakeland business

The All American Gym has been supporting the downtown Lakeland area for over 41years. In 2014 it was given a proclamation by then Mayor Howard Wiggs for suporting downtown Lakeland for 35 years. It was the only business open in the evening when it first opened on May 19th, 1979, located at 118 S Kentucky Ave. in dowtown Lakeland. Downtown was virtually unoccupied with any businesses at that time. Eventually, the gym expanded to occupy 120 S Kentucky Ave. and became the first coed gym in Lakeland. The gym remained there until 2001, then it moved to its present location at 309 W Main St. The All American Gym has alot of history...Detroit Tigers baseball players would sneak into the AAG to workout since  coaches didn't allow them to lift weights for fear they would get too bulky to play well. The RP Funding Center formerly known as the Lakeland Civic Center- hosted wrestling matches and performances, many pro wrestlers & performers would stop by the AAG for a workout.  The Lakeland Civic Center eventually hired members of AAG to work security at concerts. The AAG started the first powerlifting meets & bodybuilding contests in Lakeland. These contests attracted competitors from all over Florida and out of state, which also helped support Lakeland's economy. The AAG holds a historical record in the sport of powerlifting for being the only gym to consecutively host a powerlifting meet every year since 1980. These meets help support other City of Lakeland businesses with lifters and spectators staying in local hotels, dining at local restaraunts and shopping at local stores. The last meet the AAG hosted had lifters from not only the state of Florida but from as far away as Wisconsin and Idaho. The AAG hosted the inaugural powerlifting event for the Polk County Senior Games, we’ve  volunteered and hosted county & state powerlifting meets for the Special Olympics. For decades the AAG community has volunteered to speak at area elementary, middle, high schools & colleges on the importance of health & wellness. The AAG has been featured on National and Local television several times as well as National & Local magazines & newspapers. The All American Gym logo, painted above 118 S & 120 S Kentucky Ave. has been declared a historical sign by the City of Lakeland. The All American Gym is the oldest gym in Polk County and one of the oldest gyms in the entire state of Florida, but now after 19 yrs. in our current location & against our wishes, the new, out of state building owner wants the gym to vacate our present location. Unfortunately, this year has been difficult for many businesses, we are no exception, now with unexpected relocation costs we are asking for your support & generosity. In order for All American Gym to continue it's 41 years of supporting the Lakeland Community please donate to keep one of Lakeland's oldest  running businesses from becoming, just history. Fortunately, we have found a new location but could use your help for our buildout. The future location needs locker rooms and showers for our clientele, along with 2 bay doors installed. The owner of the future location is willing to pay half the cost so the fundraiser is to help cover the other half.  We thank you in advance for supporting a small, local business and a healthy & active lifestyle.