VIBES hosts annual Community Kindness event

Yoga lovers descended on VIBES front lawn on Sunday afternoon for the fifth annual Community Kindness event.

Community Kindness originated during the COVID-19 pandemic with the intent to bring community members together. 

“We created this outdoor class, it’s a strength class and a meditation,” said Stephanie Hanson, co-owner of VIBES. “Then we got local businesses to go in with us and contribute.”

The event is run by VIBES yoga studio in collaboration with four other local businesses: Steele Threads, Hy-Vee, Souba Greenhouse, and There’s No Place Like Home.

This year, Steele Threads provided shirts, Hy-Vee gave cookies and water, and Souba’s donated plants.

“The Kindness Crew which is Lisa Korbel’s daycare…created some pots for the flowers,” Hanson added.

Proceeds from the Community Kindness event always benefit a local non-profit. Previous recipients include Community Pathways, Beds for Kids, and the Steele County Humane Society. “Every year, we allow the community to nominate different organizations that they think would be worthy of getting the proceeds…and then whichever organization has the most votes wins,” Hanson said.

The United Way of Steele County was chosen as the event's beneficiary this year.

“When the voting got started and we were nominated, that was an honor, and the fact that we got the most votes going against some other wonderful organizations made us really happy,” said Kellen Hinrichsen, donor development coordinator at the United Way of Steele County.

“This is a great way to get involved with people in the community and other businesses that are supporting the event. It’s just a wonderful thing all around,” Hinrichsen added.

Community Kindness raised $788 for the United Way of Steele County this year.