Two local groups are joining forces to raise funds for a worthy cause.

CrossFit TC Unplugged and the Trinity Praise Band, both of Lehighton, will offer a "CrossFit for Heroes" workout and "Coffeehouse for Heroes" concert on April 18 to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.While this is the first time the groups are working together, both have done multiple fundraisers in the past to benefit local causes."We're hoping people will come to both events," said organizer Stephen Schweitzer, a guitarist and vocalist with the Trinity Praise Band. "Our goal is to raise $5,000 between the two."Schweitzer is also a member of CrossFit TC Unplugged. He was inspired by his son, Matthew Schweitzer, who is currently a member of the Navy ROTC with a long-term goal of becoming an officer in the Navy."Many are called to serve our country," he said, noting that the Wounded Warrior Project helps those called to serve who return from the armed forces with physical, mental or emotional injuries.Several members of the praise band are members of CrossFit, and Schweitzer is a long-time friend of CrossFit owner and trainer Chrissy Mayernik. The two began brainstorming ideas on how to support soldiers and decided that they would work together with their respective groups."It seemed like an instant fit, and a good way to give back," said Schweitzer."CrossFit has always honored fallen heroes with our workouts," said Mayernik, noting that many CrossFit workouts are named after fallen soldiers. "We decided, let's not just do these workouts for fun. Let's do it for a good cause and raise money."Workouts will begin at 9 a.m. at the Lehighton Rec Center and last approximately 15 minutes each. Participants are encouraged to gather eight team members for the workout or register as individuals. A $20 donation is requested from each team member or individual.In typical CrossFit fashion, the full workout won't be revealed until that day, but Mayernik noted that the entire workout can be scaled for different fitness levels."We might do sit-ups with a weighted ball, for example," said Mayernik. "We'll have a 6 pound ball, 10 and 15 pound balls, and a basketball available."The workout will also pay tribute to the Wounded Warriors through its theme of "Carry your partner if you need to." Participants on a team can have a partner complete a portion of the workout for each other, just as a wounded warrior can rely on fellow soldiers for support.Advanced registration is requested by calling Mayernik at 570-956-2516, although walk-ins will also be accepted the day of the workout. Partial teams may be combined by the organizers to form full teams of eight.Walk-ins and volunteers are encouraged to stop by early in the day. Workouts will begin at 9 a.m. and continue in shifts, but volunteers will be needed throughout the morning to help count reps. The first workout will also have an acoustic kick-off by the Trinity Praise Band.Teams will have the option to compete against each other or complete the workout for fun. Competing teams must include four men and four women and will be required to use assigned weights for each workout. Fun teams can choose their weights to alter the difficulty of the workout.The second portion of the fundraiser will be a coffeehouse concert by the Trinity Praise Band at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lehighton. The doors to Luther Hall will open at 6 p.m. and food will be available for purchase at this time. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.There is no admittance charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted. Doors will remain open for the duration of the concert to allow listeners to come and go as they please. All food to be sold has been donated and all proceeds will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project.As in past concerts, the praise band's Coffeehouse will include a mix of popular Christian and pop songs. They plan to offer three sets of eight songs each.For more information about CrossFit for Heroes or to register as a team or individual, contact Mayernik at 570-956-2516. The Lehighton Rec Center is located at 243 S. 8th St. in Lehighton.For more information about Coffeehouse for Heroes, contact Schweitzer at 610-703-5858. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at Third and Iron streets in Lehighton.Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project will be accepted at both events. Donations can also be made online at

support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/coffeehouseforheroes for 30 days after the event.