raising slimathon on May 1.

Participants have between then and May 15 to lose as much weight as possible -- having previously found sponsors to support them in their efforts.

Contestants weigh in May 1 and weigh out May 15 at a Fellowship weigh station -- the locations of which will be announced -- and the Fellowship will verify their weight loss.

The sponsors' money will go to the Fellowship who use it to buy back to school items for the children of inmates.

Fellowship director of public relations Jack Harris outlined the group's role as working with prison inmates and ex-inmates to help them turn away from a criminal lifestyle and become law-abiding and productive members of society.

This needs a change of heart by the offender; a steady job for them when they re-enter society and the maintenance of outside support -- especially with their families, noted Mr. Harris.

This is where the slimathon steps in, he continued, by raising funds to purchase the necessary school supplies for children of inmates before the school year begins in September.