Take Carra is a health and wellness initiative founded by SearchWide Global. The program launched at Destinations International’s Annual Convention in 2017 to honor longtime industry friend and colleague, Jim Carra who passed away in 2016.

SearchWide Global is dedicated to helping clients, candidates, and industry professionals “Take Carra” themselves. As an industry professional, it’s common for you to serve the role you are in but neglect your personal health and wellness. Our goal is to help you incorporate health into your everyday life at home, the office, and while traveling.

“Our job as an industry is to equally challenge and empower one another, and although we all have normal business to attend to, we owe it to ourselves to keep health at the forefront of our minds. Personally, I try to do this in memory of my friend Jim,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global.

During this year’s Destinations International Annual Convention, we invite you to participate in a Step Challenge taking place over the length of the convention. It kicks off Tuesday afternoon at 4:00pm and ends Thursday at 11:59pm. Prizes include:

• The top stepper overall will receive a pair of wireless sports headphones, an Under Armour backpack, a 32 oz. stainless steel water bottle and a copy of Travel Health Expert John Ayo's book.
   
• Two winners will be drawn from all participants that reach at least 50,000 steps and they will receive a pair of wireless sports headphones, a Crossbody Sports bag and a copy of Travel Health Expert John Ayo's book.
   
• Three winners will be drawn from all participants that reach at least 25,000 steps and they will receive a copy of Travel Health Expert John Ayo's book.

To participate you’ll need to download the app and sync either your phone or Bluetooth device (Fitbit, Apple Watch or other compatible step tracker). You can track your progress in the app or the leaderboard in The Exchange.

In addition to the step challenge, you can kick off your morning with Yoga at the Arch, a unique experience exclusive to St. Louis. Not only will yoga mats be provided, but participants can also scan a QR code to receive bonus steps towards the walking challenge.

The Take Carra program will also feature two sessions with wellness speaker John Ayo of Travel Balance. Ayo is a traditional naturopath who will speak about staying energized, healthy and balanced so you can be more effective while traveling and while at the office. A QR code to receive bonus steps towards the walking challenge will also be available at both sessions.

By honoring your health and wellness, you’re not only honoring any lost loved ones, but you’re also supporting your friends, family and peers in their journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Summary of Take Carra Events

Tuesday, July 23 at 4pm through Thursday, July 25 at 11:59pm
Take Carra Walking Challenge

Wednesday, July 24, 6:00am-7:00am
Take Carra Yoga at the Arch

Wednesday, July 24, 11:30am-12:00pm
Wellness Practices for Travelers with Speaker John Ayo, in Room 220

Wednesday, July 24, 3:00pm-3:30pm
Wellness Practices for the Workplace with Speaker John Ayo, in Room 223