Helping Abuse Survivors Through Yoga and More

The last six years have been a game of lost and found. Feeling a little lost in Northern Virginia, we had the chance to move to Old Northeast in 2017 and found this beautiful community along the water to start a new life. Even in this idyllic location, it can take a while to put down roots, however. I felt a little lost, until I found the yoga community here in St. Pete. 

Fast forward with two years of practice at YogaBlu and Body Electric Yoga Company, followed by yoga teacher training, and I was looking for a nonprofit for whom I could offer yoga on a donation basis. Doing good for ourselves while doing good for others! Through neighbor and friend, Susie Chisolm, I found the League to Aid Abused Children and Adults Inc., or Infinity, which raises funds for local nonprofits. This was exactly the type of organization I wanted to directly support. They said “yes!” and Yoga for Infinity was born.  

“Yoga for Infinity is a new way to for the St. Petersburg community to share in the fund-raising efforts of Infinity,” says Old Northeast resident Chisholm. We offer this experience of wellness so that more people can contribute to the great organizations supported by Infinity, while experiencing the benefits of yoga for themselves on our beautiful waterfront. It’s a win for everyone!  

One in every three women globally experience abuse in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. Here in St. Petersburg, Infinity, The League to Aid Abused Children and Adults, Inc. has been working to improve the lives of survivors of abuse in Pinellas County since 1980. With nearly 300 members, “one of the ways Infinity members work to help survivors of abuse in our community is by hosting a wide range of events that raise awareness and funds for organizations that work directly with people impacted by abuse,” says Andrea Vilgrass, an Old Northeast resident and Infinity vice president.

Each year, the organization raises tens of thousands of dollars that support direct services offered by partner agencies CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse), Brookwood Florida, Inc. (a residential home for teen girls) and Suncoast Center Inc., (mental and physical health services related to trauma, substance abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse.)

All of Infinity’s fundraising events are open to the public. The main event is NovemberFest, a fun fall festival complete with outdoor games, a beer garden, dinner, and music at Pasadena Yacht & Country Club on November 14. There will also be a silent auction with exceptional items and experiences. If you enjoy eating at downtown restaurants, enter Infinity’s Great Tampa Bay Dine-Out Giveaway, an opportunity drawing to win packages of gift cards to favorite local restaurants valued at $1,500, $1,000, and $500. The drawing is on November 14 at NovemberFest (you do not have to be present to win). 

Designer Purse Bingo, Infinity’s signature event, is not to be missed. Gaelyn Thurman, an ONE resident and Infinity’s Agency Liaison, says, “Each year this event grows more fun, and fashionable with luxe purse bingo prizes. Expect high-end brands like Louis Vuitton.” The event is scheduled for April 17 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and promises to be more fabulous than ever before. Tickets go on sale in February or March and always sells out. We also meet monthly at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for a Lunch and Learn series, and always welcome new members. 

For more information about Infinity and upcoming events, check out infinitystpete.org. Yoga for Infinity is an all-level flow class, for men and women of all ages, that meets Tuesdays at 9 am at Flora Wylie Park. Classes are donation-based (suggested donation is $10) with all proceeds going directly to improve the lives of survivors of abuse. Look for the hot pink signs.