Fit Columbia hosts Women of Fitness Garden Party and Benefit for Innersole

Fit Columbia, a versatile fitness center in the Five Points area of Columbia will host a garden party to celebrate 13 local “Women of Fitness” and to benefit local children’s charity Innersole Thursday, June 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Fit Columbia, 2002 Blossom Street.

Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne in the charming outdoor courtyard of Fit Columbia —a multi-practice, personalized training center focused on individual and small group sessions, opened in 2011 by certified fitness expert Angela Sellers while mingling with fellow health and fitness supporters. Next door, The Swept Yard home goods and garden shop will be open for browsing. Attire is business casual.

The two- faceted event will honor 13 local women influencers in the health and fitness industry and serve as a new shoe drive for children via statewide nonprofit Innersole co-founded by Dawn Staley, three-time Olympic gold medalist and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of South Carolina. Innersole provides new athletic and lifestyle shoes to children and teens facing poverty and health risks from low-income households across South Carolina.

Guests are asked to bring donations of new shoes for Innersole to the event for admission. Fit Columbia will present donations to Innersole at the garden party. Donations will be distributed to kids during multiple backto school events held by the nonprofit across the state.

Todd and Moore, local athletic retailer, will offer a 20 percent discount to customers who purchase shoes to donate.

Thirteen local women in the fitness and health fields will be recognized at the event for their contributions to the industry. These “Women of Fitness” each profiled in our local publication The Columbia Star over the last year were chosen because they have actively and admirably worked to make Columbia healthier and stronger; are enthusiastic about their job and engaging to a wide client base; and have longevity in the fields of fitness and health.

“Being in the health industry isn’t something that’s going to get you a lot of notoriety,” says Fit Columbia founder Angela Sellers. “For this celebration, I was looking for women who are digging deep into the roots of the community. We want to promote them and honor them because there aren’t necessarily awards out there for helping someone on a path to health or for being a positive force in someone’s life.” 

Celebrated Women 

• Alison Beard | licensed acupuncturist; Chinese medicine herbalist at Palmetto Acupuncture 

• Tammie Coleman Epps | Certified Zumba instructor 

• Anne Marie Cockrell | certified advanced rolfer 

•Maxine Deutschendorf | owner and instructor at Infinite Yoga 

• Fran Harlow | buyer at Rosewood Market and Deli 

• Ashley Hayes | Pilates and yoga instructor at Pilates of Forest Acres 

• Rachel Hipszer | aerial silks performer at Soda City Cirque 

• Elise Matthews | personal trainer at KORE Wellness 

• Pam Meriwether | yoga alliance- certified experienced registered yoga teacher 

• Stephanie Rosehart | athletic-trainer at University of South Carolina 

• Milena Stephens | co-owner and trainer at Stephens Tennis Management

• Claudia Tudose | owner and specialized master trainer at Gyrotonic Devine 

• Kim Williams | volleyball coach at SC FCA Volleyball; formerly University of South Carolina 

Throughout June 2016, Fit Columbia is focused on serving individuals from low-income areas of the Midlands.

Each Monday and Wednesday in June, Fit Columbia holds donation-based classes aimed toward individuals with irregular working hours and financial barriers. These “pay-what-you-can” classes are held at both 7 and 8 p.m.

Fit Columbia will continue hosting a month- long new shoe drive throughout June, during which donations of new children’s and adult shoes of any kind will go to Innersole. Shoes, plus cash and check donations, are accepted at Fit Columbia, 2002 Blossom Street, during business hours: Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.