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Annual “Lifting Spirits” Charity Powerlifting meet Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center. The begins at 8 a.m.

Lifting Spirits has been going on for 12 years raising money for local charities and people in need. Money raised goes towards local charities, The Orange County Rainbow Room (CPS) and The Blue Santa Program. 

So far the event has already raised $6000 for both charities with hopes of raising more during the event.

“We started with putting on a powerlifting meet because were powerlifters and there was just nowhere local to do that, and I needed somewhere to take the kids to see where they were and get them ready for the high school season,” said Mike Denmon, organizer of the “Lifting Spirits” meet. “The second year we donated to one of the powerlifting families and the husband died of cancer, and that worked out pretty well, everyone felt good about it and donations grew, so we decided to pick causes to donate to.” 

The meet draws competitors from across Texas and Louisiana, with lifters ranging from as young as 10 to 76 years old. Denmon, along with his group of high school students see this as an opportunity to help the community as well as measure themselves against local competitors before their season begins in Jan. 

The meet also collaborates with LifeShare Blood Center for a community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is free to spectators. Those who wish to compete as lifters must be a APF-registered athlete by the time of the meet. To register for a new membership visit www.worldpower liftingcongress.com