Yoga Reaches Out (YRO), one of the nation’s biggest yoga fundraisers, is coming to Connecticut on October 15 from 9am to 5pm. Join hundreds of yogis from across the state for a joyful day of yoga, community, lively music, a marketplace and more at Insports Centers in Trumbull. The “yoga-thon” features a team of instructors who will lead participants in sessions throughout the day, including national yoga teacher Dana Flynn and local Connecticut instructors Peg Oliveira, Margot Broom, Elizabeth Crisci, Annie Quagliaroli and Kelvin Young.

YRO CT’s goal this year is to raise more than $150,000 to benefit two local nonprofits: the Sandy Hook Promise, working to end gun violence, and 108 Monkeys, an organization promoting a culture of peace and justice through yoga. Mark Barden, who lost his son Daniel in the Sandy Hook tragedy and is the co-managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, will be one of the keynote speakers. To date, the national Yoga Reaches Out has donated $1.5 million to children’s charities across the country.

Yoga Reaches Out also raises awareness and funds in advance of the big day. Benefit classes are going on throughout September and October. YRO is looking for participants, yoga instructors and studios, vendors and fundraising partners to help raise money, plan events and spread the word. Upcoming benefit classes include events for all ages and levels at numerous locations, including family yoga, rooftop yoga, outdoor yoga and more from local studios such as Full of Joy Yoga, Breathing Room Yoga Center, One World Wellness & Yoga Collective and others. Those interested in participating can contact Connecticut YRO Co-Chairs Lani Rosen-Gallagher or Peg Oliveira at [email protected].

“I decided to get involved because, as a yogi and someone who works with children, this is why we do yoga to bring the CT yoga community together to raise money for two really incredible kids’ organizations,” says Rosen-Gallagher, who has run a children’s yoga business called Full of Joy Yoga for about 13 years. There is a $25 registration fee; all participants are also encouraged to raise as much money as possible in personal sponsorships beyond the $250 minimum.

To register, visit YogaReachesOut.org. For information on event sponsorships, contact Melissa Lynott at [email protected]. Location: Insports Centers, 29 Trefoil Dr, Trumbull. See ad, page 17.