Private Advisor Group Launches Fit to Serve Foundation to Enhance Advisor Wellbeing and Community Engagement

Private Advisor Group Launches Fit to Serve Foundation

Private Advisor Group has announced the launch of the Fit to Serve foundation, emphasizing its commitment to the wellbeing of financial advisors and the communities they serve. This independent charitable organization is dedicated to empowering financial professionals by focusing on mental, physical, and financial health support.

The Mission of Fit to Serve

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Fit to Serve is rooted in the understanding of the increasing pressures faced by advisors in today's complex financial landscape. Recognizing that financial advisors are essential for guiding clients through significant decisions, the foundation aims to provide comprehensive resources and education designed to promote overall well-being. Frank Smith, the CEO of Private Advisor Group and Board Chair of Fit to Serve, articulated this vision, stating, “Advisors are entrusted with guiding clients through some of life's most consequential financial and personal decisions—decisions that carry heavy significance.” This sentiment reflects the foundation's dedication to supporting the holistic needs of advisors.

Programs Focused on Holistic Health

Fit to Serve prioritizes partnerships with organizations that promote:

1. Mental Wellness: Programs that raise awareness around mental health, offer counseling services, or increase access to mental health resources.
2. Physical Wellness: Initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy living, physical activity, and wellness education.
3. Financial Literacy: Efforts to enhance financial education, empowering individuals and families within the community.

By addressing these core areas, Fit to Serve aims to create a foundation that not only benefits advisors but also strengthens the communities they inhabit.

Initial Steps and Fundraising Efforts

In its inaugural year, Fit to Serve made significant contributions, with initial donations of $5,000 each to notable organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Blood Cancer United. These efforts signify the foundation's commitment to making a measurable impact.

Moreover, the foundation is poised to enhance its visibility with initiatives such as the Fit to Serve Fun Run scheduled for March 2026, occurring at the Private Advisor Group's Annual Conference in Boston. Alongside this event, a raffle for wellbeing kits will assist in raising further funds for its vital programs.

Additionally, the foundation will host its first Fit to Serve Golf Classic at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey, on April 27, 2026. This event invites financial advisors and sponsors who align with the foundation’s mission, with all proceeds benefiting charitable partners and initiatives.

Governance and Leadership

Fit to Serve operates under a dedicated board of directors comprised of accomplished leaders from within the Private Advisor Group. In addition to CEO Frank Smith, the board includes Petra Barone as Head of Finance, Kelly Coulter as Head of Marketing, Jim Perhacs as Chief Operating Officer, Adam Schorr as Chief Financial Officer, and Ian Weschler as Legal Counsel. Their combined expertise ensures the foundation's operations reflect a strong commitment to its mission of enhancing the wellbeing of financial advisors.

About Fit to Serve Foundation

Fit to Serve is more than just a charity; it is an initiative dedicated to empowering financial advisors, strengthening communities, and fostering a collaborative spirit that underscores the importance of mental, physical, and financial well-being. By engaging with local and national nonprofits, Fit to Serve seeks to create a lasting impact that resonates within every community where financial advisors work.

About Private Advisor Group

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Morristown, NJ, Private Advisor Group stands as one of the leading financial services firms in the United States, managing over $41.3 billion as of June 30, 2025. The firm is dedicated to delivering innovative strategies aimed at improving the financial outcomes of individual investors while promoting a client-centric approach for independent financial advisors. The launch of the Fit to Serve foundation signifies another step in their dedication to supporting not only advisors but the well-being of the communities they help.