Yoga Fundraiser 'Poses For PEACE'

By MADDY VITALE Yoga on the beach in Sea Isle City is relaxing enough. But next month there will be another benefit from the calming exercise – the eighth annual “Pose for PEACE” event. Proceeds will go toward the National Epilepsy Foundation. At 7:30 a.m., Sept. 7, Teri O’Connor, who owns NJ Beach Yoga, will host the eighth annual “Pose for PEACE” fundraiser at the JFK beach. Participants will gather in the shape of a peace sign and share a beach yoga class as O’Connor leads the way. Unlike other years, O’Connor explained that amid COVID-19 restrictions there are some changes. “We are happy to share our 8th annual Pose for PEACE fundraising event which will be done following our COVID safety guidelines this year,” she said in a Facebook forum. Online registration for the event is required more than two days prior in order for the organizers to process waivers All proceeds from the event are donated to the Epilepsy Foundation. Contributions will be collected online this year rather than a cash donation bucket. O’Connor has been under contract with Sea Isle City to offer yoga classes year-round inside the Community Lodge at the Welcome Center, at the JFK Boulevard beach for Beach Yoga classes and Full Moon Yoga classes given at 29th Street and the beach. She said that she has a great working relationship with the city, which is why she is able to host a successful fundraiser. Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said of O’Connor and the fundraiser, “In addition to being a wonderful yoga instructor, Teri O’Connor is also a person who clearly realizes the value of giving back to her community.” Custer, who also heads the city’s Department of Community Services, which includes recreation, continued, “The free full moon yoga classes and Pose for Peace class she hosts each year are wonderful community events that not only bring people together but also show what a kind and giving heart she has. Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation is fortunate to partner with NJ Beach Yoga.” Teri O'Connor, of Sea Isle, started teaching yoga 15 years ago. (KD Photography) Over the last few years, the fundraiser has benefited the Epilepsy Foundation and has raised more than $1,000 annually for the worthy cause, O’Connor said in a prior interview. O’Connor chose to donate to the National Epilepsy Foundation because her niece suffers from the disease. The fundraiser continues to grow, and a typical fundraiser includes about 150 participants. To schedule space within the peace sign, people can register beginning on Aug. 30 using the link https://NJBYSignUpLink.as.me/poseforpeace or go to the website www.njbeachyoga.com. There are no refunds if the event is canceled due to rain since all money goes to charity. For more information visit www.njbeachyoga.com or call or text Teri O'Connor at 609-602-3398 or email her at [email protected].