What is the Big Fish Foundation?

Founded by Marine Corps Veteran Brian Chontosh, the Big Fish Foundation was created to help veterans adjust to civilian life, build connections, and continue to serve their communities. Many veterans feel lost or disconnected after leaving the military. They often struggle with finding new purpose or making sense of their past experiences. The foundation helps bridge this gap by offering support, building community, and encouraging growth.

Veterans tend to thrive in environments where teamwork, purpose, and shared goals are present. The foundation recreates these environments by hosting activities that challenge participants physically and mentally while fostering camaraderie. It’s not just about solving immediate issues; it’s about empowering veterans with tools to build long-term resilience and fulfillment.

The Big Fish Foundation’s work is anchored by three pillars:

Connection: Bringing veterans together to form strong bonds through shared experiences. This builds trust, respect, and a sense of belonging. Whether through group hikes, team-based workouts, or meaningful conversations, the foundation emphasizes the power of relationships.

Growth: Challenging the body and mind through physical and mental tasks to help individuals grow stronger and more resilient. Growth isn’t just about fitness—it’s about building confidence, problem-solving skills, and mental toughness that can translate into all areas of life.

Service: Encouraging veterans to reconnect with their commitment to others and channel that energy into helping their families, communities, and causes larger than themselves. This renewed sense of purpose helps veterans find direction and fulfillment beyond their military service.

The Community Challenge

This year, Big Fish is hosting The Community Challenge. More than just a fitness event, the Challenge will empower veterans, gyms, families, and friends to work toward a common goal - Connection, growth and service.

"The Community Challenge"

Partner workout

45-min partner AMRAP

13 alternating sandbags over the shoulder (moderate weight)

40 cals bike/rower OR 400m run (team choice)

7 rounds of "Cindy"

(5 pullups, 10 pushups, 15 air squats)

Teams may break up the work as they choose. Both athletes run if they choose 400m )

Why the "Community Challenge"?

• Connection: Pushing through tough physical and mental challenges with others creates a strong sense of camaraderie. You’re not just working out—you’re building relationships. Shared experience deepens understanding of each other and strengthens bonds.
• Growth: The workout encourages athletes to step outside their comfort zones, building both physical and mental strength. The effort helps individuals realize their potential and inspires them to take on challenges in other areas of life.
• Service: Participating helps illuminate the struggles veterans face and highlights the importance of supporting them. By joining the Community Challenge, teams contribute to a larger cause that honors veterans's sacrifices and addresses their needs.

These workouts also serve as a reminder that fitness is about more than physical health. It’s about building communities, creating memories, and working toward something greater than yourself.

How to Join a Community Challenge Workout

No matter your fitness level, you can participate in the Community Challenge Here’s how:

Host an event: Gym owners interested in hosting a Community Challenge event the weekend of  February 21-23, 2025 can sign up here.

Spread the Word: Share information about the Big Fish Foundation with your social networks. Encourage others to participate or donate. Awareness is key to growing the mission and making a bigger impact.

Invest: If you’re unable to join a workout, consider making a donation to support the foundation’s mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps extend the reach of their work.

A Call to Action

Whether you want to improve your fitness, build connections, or support a worthwhile cause, the Big Fish Foundation "Community Challenge" is the perfect opportunity.

Take the first step. Gather your family, friends, or gym members, and join the challenge. Together, we can use fitness and teamwork to make a real difference for those who have sacrificed so much for us. Each small effort adds up, creating a larger wave of support that can truly change lives.

The journey begins with one step, and you won’t be taking it alone. By choosing to participate, you’re joining a movement that honors veterans, strengthens communities, and celebrates the power of connection, growth, and service.

Visit the Big Fish Foundation website to learn more.

‍