Donald Whitney .
West 1973
Donald Whitney graduated from West High in 1973. He received his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 1977. He lives in Smyrna, GA.
Don is the president and CEO of Corporate Sports Unlimited, Incorporated; founder and president of the U.S. 10K Classic and the World Children's Center. Corporate Sports Unlimited offers complete design, consulting and management services to executive health clubs and spas in the finest office parks, resorts and hotels in the country. Since Don founded the company at the age of 25 in 1981, it has managed and served over 45 properties, including notable clients such as Pebble Beach, Grand Cypress Resorts and several Ritz Carlton Hotels.
The U.S. 10K Classic is a road racing event for walkers, runners, inline skaters, cyclists and wheelchair athletes that is held each Labor Day weekend in Atlanta. The race is celebrating its eleventh year in 2004 and each year thousands of athletes from across the world participate. Since the event's inception, more than $900,000 has been donated to non-profit community organizations benefiting children in need.
A large portion of the proceeds from the U.S. 10K Classic goes to the development of the World Children's Center. The World Children's Center is a planned community for homeless, orphaned, neglected and abused children from the United States and the world. Through Don's vision and hard work, the World Children's Center will soon become a reality, as groundbreaking is scheduled for the Fall of 2005.
The center will consist of 100+ homes with two surrogate house parents and up to six children in each home. The center will also feature education programs and facilities; a pediatric clinic; recreational facilities; several parks and playgrounds; a worship center and a food bank to serve the center and those in need in the surrounding communities. In addition, a multipurpose performing arts center with more than 3000 seats will be built for private and public concerts and events to bring awareness and funds to the center and children in need.
Don has secured more than $25 million in funding for the first phase of the center from companies such as Publix, Coca-Cola and Gatorade. Contributions secured will build the loving homes, provide the in-kind gifts of product and service needed, and support the programs and services that will ensure the healthy development of the children served.