Eastside Nia benefit raises $720 for Cancer Lifeline

Published 12:13 pm Friday, February 10, 2012

The Eastside Nia community, which is part of Nia Seattle, a healing non-profit organization, raised $720 for Cancer Lifeline at a recent benefit event.

The 90-minute special movement fitness class began with several participants sharing their experiences with Cancer Lifeline and how the organization helped their family members through difficult times.

“We are so fortunate to have community organizations choose us when organizing a community benefit event,” said Andrea Johnson, director of development for Cancer Lifeline. “Thank you to Eastside Nia for providing donations to us through exercise and movement.

Pauline Osborne, a Nia teacher from Redmond, set the focus on renewal with the intentions of healing “our bodies, lives and community.”

No prior experience was needed to participate as Stephanie Rostad of Issaquah grounded the dancers with slow warm-up moves increasing the tempo to a Latin flair.

Sarah Love, who teaches in Woodinville, kept the class moving with kicks and blocks enlivening the community spirit.

Susan Creighton of Redmond was next to lead the group as she taught a song for the second time in front of a group.

Osborne brought forth warrior and playful spirits for the movers. Love took everyone to the floor for cool down and ended with a Renewal Meditation that was created by Debbie Rosas Stewart, Nia co-creator and founder.

At the end of the event, 18 door prizes donated by 12 local businesses were given away to participants.

“I would like to give special thanks to the Nia teachers and the businesses who donated to make this an outstanding event for Cancer Lifeline,” said Pauline Osborne, the benefit organizer.

For more information about Cancer Lifeline, visit www.cancerlifeline.org. All services provided by Cancer Lifeline are free.

A video of the benefit event can be seen on You Tube here.