Yoga for a Cause

For Candace Briscoe, Aberdeen’s annual Yogathon has always been a labor of love – and a way to give back to the community that has given her so much.

Briscoe is the owner of Fit & Fire Studios, with yoga, pilates, high intensity interval training, aerial yoga, and barre among its many class offerings. The Yogathon was born out of a desire to bring together the Fit & Fire member community and other local businesses, while supporting a good cause.

“Written into our mission statement is the vow to create a positive impact on the community, so that people in our local area, whether they go to the studio or not, feel that our business is beneficial to the entire community,” Briscoe said.

This year marks the ninth Yogathon, set for January 26 and 27, with all proceeds benefiting the Aberdeen Area Foster Closet. The Aberdeen Area Foster Closet started in 2022 as a non-profit organization to support local foster families. The organization helps provide items like clothing, seasonal gear, baby care items and other support for families opening their homes to foster children.

“A child may be coming to a foster family with almost nothing,” said Louise Schwab, co-founder of the Aberdeen Area Foster Closet. “We can help provide essentials the children need for those first few days, to give kids and families time to get to know each other without having to worry. Donations from the Yogathon will go toward items we don’t have in stock, or to support resources for families.”

The Yogathon has grown over time, with more teachers and additional class offerings hosted at more than a dozen businesses. Participants are welcome to try as many classes as they like throughout the weekend, with free will donations accepted.

“Every teacher puts their heart and soul into the Yogathon, local businesses go out of their way to show support, and the people that attend are as invested in the cause as we are,” Briscoe said. “We try to choose charities that will have a local impact.”

With a wide variety of class offerings throughout the weekend, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a low impact restorative yoga session or a pulse-pounding cardio workout or something in-between, the Yogathon has you covered. Participants wanting an extra challenge can attend consecutive classes to complete the official Yogathon and earn a medal.

“We hope you find some fun in the classes, maybe some relaxation or restoration, and leave feeling like you did something positive for the community,” Briscoe said.

Last year, the event raised more than $2,300 for DTOM Veterans Ranch. //

For more details and the full list of Yogathon classes, visit aberdeenyogathon.com.