Empowering Youth and Building Community: Inspiring Fitness for a Stronger Future.
The Zoo Health Club Strengthens Community Through Generous Donations
L. to R. Ed Baroody, Nate Stanton, and Juian Pecorina, Co-Owner and Operator of The Zoo Health Club
The Zoo Health Club, co-owned by Bedford resident Ed Baroody, profoundly impacts the local community through its unwavering commitment to health, fitness, and youth development. Their latest initiative is extraordinary: donating $125,000 in state-of-the-art fitness equipment to Trinity High School and free memberships for the entire student body to the Zoo Health Club on Elm Street.
The Inspiration Behind the Generosity
The idea for the donation took root after Baroody met with Trinity High School Principal Nate Stanton. During their conversation, Stanton shared the school’s needs and mission to foster well-rounded student development. Baroody perfectly aligned the school’s goals and the Zoo Health Club’s mission to promote health and fitness, particularly among young people. "We spoke about the mission of Trinity High School and the Zoo Health Club, and I felt that it was a great partnership with a shared vision to reach the community's youth," Baroody explained.
A History of Giving Back
This is not the first time Baroody and the Zoo Health Club have stepped up to support the community. From coat drives to blood drives and food drives, their generosity knows no bounds. Recently, they donated a digital scoreboard to the Parkside School gym in Manchester, further demonstrating their commitment to local education and sports.
Baroody’s passion for youth development extends beyond his work with the Zoo Health Club. As the founder and active board member of Manchester Youth Sports, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in Manchester has access to sports opportunities, regardless of financial circumstances. Today, over 400 youth participate in basketball leagues organized by Manchester Youth Sports, with 90% playing for free. “Our mission is to provide an opportunity for every Manchester youth to play sports,” Baroody said. For more details, visit www.manchesteryouthsports.com.
A Personal Connection
While Baroody did not attend Trinity High School, he has a deep connection to the institution. He attended St. Joseph’s Middle School, which later merged with Trinity, and his son Alex is currently a senior at the high school. This personal link made the donation more meaningful for Baroody and his family.
Building a Healthier Future
The fitness equipment donation and free memberships are not just about improving physical health; they empower young people with the tools to build confidence, develop discipline, and lead healthier lives. Baroody hopes this initiative will inspire others to support youth and promote fitness. Trinity class of ‘25 student Jeffrey Hickey commented, “The new fitness room at our school helped me get stronger in the offseason and take my football skills to the next level. It also brought my teammates and me closer, turning workouts into moments of growth and unity.”
The Zoo Health Club’s dedication to making a difference shines as a beacon of positivity in the Manchester area. Through their generosity, they enhance the lives of young people and strengthen the entire community.
The message is clear for students at Trinity High School and beyond: fitness is for everyone, and a strong community begins with healthy, active youth.
"This training facility gives Trinity High School one of the premier facilities in the state of New Hampshire. It will allow the athletes to grow and develop to compete for championships at the high school level and also give them the opportunity to play at the college level." Dan Mullen '90 (Head Football Coach, UNLV)
"Thank you so much to Ed Baroody and the Zoo Health Club for making all this possible and allowing Trinity students free access to their facilities during construction. As an alum, teacher, and coach here at Trinity, I am beyond thrilled for us to have access to a state-of-the-art room that fits the needs of any student-athlete. I am pleased to say that all of our athletic teams use the room multiple times a week, which has a visible, positive impact on our kids' performance and mental health." Griffin Lyons '16