BEVERLY — The Beverly Yoga Center has introduced Karma Yoga to its regular schedule, and all of the proceeds from the monthly class support Harmony, Hope & Healing, an organization aimed at helping the homeless.
"People want to do good. People want to be a part of something," said owner Carly Carney of Morgan Park.
The charitable effort comes just ahead of the studio's 10th anniversary, which also coincides with Carney's 40th birthday. She plans to celebrate the milestones on Feb. 20 with a party at the studio at 1917 W. 103rd St. in Beverly.
The anniversary and birthday party is open to the public an free to attend.
Harmony, Hope & Healing's choir will perform as part of the celebration. Carney first heard the ensemble perform while attending services at Old St. Patrick's Church in the West Loop. She knew immediately that the choir would be a perfect way to honor the date.
"Their music is soulful," said Carney, who will pay for the live performance on her own.
Harmony, Hope & Healing offers therapeutic music programs at 10 shelters and community outreach centers throughout the city. The charity serves 840 individuals per year, mostly women and children.
Karma Yoga raises money for the group with yoga classes from 7-8:15 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. The classes cost $10 and are slated to run through Feb. 5.
All of the proceeds support the non-profit, and additional donations are welcome. Carney hopes to raise upward of $1,500 for the charity and will present the group with a portion of the donation ahead of Christmas and another gift at the celebration in February.
"My hope is that this just continues," said Carney, adding that she wants to raise money for a youth service trip to an orphanage in Nicaragua next.
The yoga studio opened in February 2006. The 400-square-foot studio space has tripled in size since its debut.
"It's a big accomplishment. Small businesses can close down really quickly," Carney said.
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