By Ellen Davis
Healing hearts through the power of yoga was the inspiration for the Yogathon for HOPE. Over 325 participated in the 4-hour Yogathon at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School held during Suicide Prevention Month. The event was the idea of Pamela Leal, who lost her daughter Bailey to suicide in May.
The community truly embraced the Yogathon as students, parents and yoga enthusiasts met at the Eagles’ gymnasium ready to take part in the cathartic activity. Mayor Michael Udine and motivational speaker Heather Palacios offered opening remarks. The day was filled with an array of activity. Music was performed to accompany the instruction. Experienced, popular local yoga instructors led the wide variety of classes. Various vendors offered shopping and sampling opportunities in the school courtyard as well.
The Yogathon benefited the establishment of a HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively) Club at Douglas. Club advisor, Laura Rountree, expressed her appreciation for the event. “The Yogathon was a beautiful experience for everyone. It was a great opportunity for the entire community to come together in a positive, meaningful, supportive way, which is essentially what the HOPE Club is all about.”
