Staff reports

The Corestar Pilates’ eighth annual Thanksgiving Day Sampler, an exercise program and nonperishable food drive, was a big success, raising a record $1,150 and collecting two barrels of food donations, according to event organizers.

Corestar Pilates – in conjunction with the City of Auburn – organized a two-hour exercise class for the public on Nov. 26 at the Gymnasium at Les Gove Park. Proceeds benefited the Auburn Food Bank.

“What a wonderful turnout we had. … We had nearly 40 people attend to take part in the classes and give very generously to our community in support of the food bank,” said Ruth Neil Stover, owner and operator of Corestar Pilates. “Thank you to all of our students and friends who came, to everyone who donated, and to the City of Auburn and my friend, Clarissa Ruston, for helping coordinate the event. Most of all, a very big thank you to our wonderful Corestar teachers, who are always there bright and early with a smile on their faces and a heart filled with joy to share what they love to do.”

Stover, Lisa Nihem, Erin Finney, Paige Erickson and Angie Waterman volunteered their time to teach classes.

Participants were asked to make a $15 donation and bring nonperishable food.

The benefit has grown in size and support each year. Stover’s studio on Main Street attracted about 15 people and raised under $50 in its first year.