The Fitness Factory in Williamsport will host its upcoming Iron & Honor Fest: United Against Cancer on Saturday, June 20th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will bring together the local community, all branches of the United States military, and a wide range of vendors for a day centered on strength, service, and support.
The Fitness Factory, owned by Ryan and Jodi Troutman, along with community businesses, influencers, and supporters, is coming together for a fundraiser with the mission of helping families fight cancer and spreading hope through the message of never giving up.
The charity, Oliver’s Army, was first started in November 2020 by a young boy and his family. The organization was inspired by the love and support Oliver experienced during his own fight against cancer. What began as a way to connect with families facing similar challenges has grown into an organization focused on raising money to support families directly and help other charities fighting cancer.
Over the years, Oliver’s Army has continued giving back to the community, including supporting organizations that helped Oliver’s family throughout their journey and donating during the holiday season to children at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital through toy distributions.
The upcoming fundraiser event was inspired by conversations between the Troutmans, Oliver, and his mother. “After speaking with Oliver and his family, it really hit me hard that someone so young could create something so meaningful with a little help and positivity. I realized I should be able to do the same thing and help make something a little bigger happen,” said Ryan Troutman.
The idea for the fundraiser quickly evolved when two military recruiters visited the gym, seeking to create an event that would also raise awareness of military recruitment and community involvement. “Around that same time, Oliver and his charity walked through the door, and everything naturally came together. I immediately realized both causes could work together perfectly. It felt like God put all the right people in front of me at the same time to get this baby rolling.”
Community support quickly followed. Supplement companies, tattoo artists such as Tilted Halo and Cherry Tattoo Co., and local businesses, including FastSigns, Sauers Trading, and PDC Spas, joined the event. Fitness influencer Danny Swole and world record holder Rochelle Dubbs also committed to attending without hesitation. “Everyone’s excitement to help out and be involved got me pumped knowing this was going to be a great event,” said Troutman. “The biggest challenge was making sure no one was left out because so many people quickly wanted to help. More than just a fundraiser, I hope the event shows what the community can accomplish together.
“I love this event because it shows we’re not just a gym; we’re a family and a community. Just because someone doesn’t go to this gym doesn’t mean we don’t want to help them outside these walls.”
Attendees can expect a full day of activities. In addition to the physical challenges, the event will include food vendors such as Fuel Chef Meals offering meals and samples, as well as supplement companies providing product tastings. Featured brands include Musclelicious Pudding, X Shock Labs, Muscle Egg, and Muscle Foods. Attendees can also participate in other local attractions, including PDC Spas’ display, showcasing cold plunge setups, and tattoo artists offering American flag-inspired designs.
A major highlight of the day will be a raffle for a Radical Firearms FR-16 5.56 NATO/.223 camo rifle with accessories, along with 50/50 raffle tickets and a silent auction featuring items and services donated by local companies. Supporters who cannot attend can still purchase raffle tickets through locations listed on Facebook or donate through the event’s QR code. “I hope this year’s fundraiser is only the beginning. If it goes well, we’d love to make it an annual event and continue growing it every year,” said Troutman.
For Oliver, the message behind everything remains simple but powerful:
“Don’t give up.”
Once people meet Oliver and hear his story, they quickly understand why this event means so much and why bringing people together for awareness, hope, and support is so important.
The Fitness Factory will remain open during the event, offering open gym access, and will run special promotions on memberships, including waived sign-up fees for those who join that day. Admission to Iron & Honor Fest is free. In addition, all proceeds from raffles and fundraising efforts will go directly to Oliver’s Army for Good, supporting a family currently facing challenges similar to those Oliver and his family experienced. The family will be announced at the event.
The Fitness Factory is located at 330 Hughes Street in Williamsport. For more information about Iron & Honor Fest or to get in touch with Ryan and Jodi Troutman, call 570-322-2348 or message the Fitness Factory on Facebook.
