Ashley Raspen, Vive Health & Fitness, talks with Maria Hall and Jessica Sands about an exercise class geared to helping the needy with donations going to St. Vincent De. Paul Soup Kitchen. – Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader
Ashley Raspen, Vive Health & Fitness, right, congratulates Maria Hall, Danielle Petros and Jessica Sands (left to right) for a job well done after they participated in an exercise class Saturday morning at the Kingston business that benefited St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. – Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader
KINGSTON — Nearly 80 people gathered at Vive Health & Fitness on Saturday for an exercise class that not only benefited their health, but needy members of the community.
The event, entitled “Shake your Booty to Feed the Community,” was the brainchild of Ashley Raspen, director of group exercise at the business, with donations going to St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre.
Raspen said with temperatures dropping and the holiday season fast approaching, she realized that there were many homeless and needy people who could use a hand.
Raspen was impressed with the response of the community with two Zumba classes quickly filling up when members of the fitness center found out they could help others.
The event also was open to the public, with some participants visiting for the first time.
Michele Crackett, said she had been taking Zumba classes for a long time and enjoyed spending a Saturday morning with friends doing something she loved for a good cause. Crackett brought a cash donation, but food and clothing were also welcome.
Raspen said she had only recently realized that the soup kitchen took clothing, so that people in need could enjoy a hot meal and get some warm clothing. When she saw a post on the soup kitchen’s Facebook page, she reached out to instructors, who were more than happy to help.
Having raised nearly $200 and dozens of bags of food items and clothing, Raspen said the business had scheduled another event for Dec. 7.
“The staff, participants and donations all exceeded our expectations,” she said. “We look forward to doing it again.”
As the event wrapped up, participants stopped to let Raspen know how much fun it had been, with many saying they were looking forward to future opportunities to help.
