Imagine a day packed with warmth, community, and purpose—plus a little sweat.
Phoenix, AZ - “Hearts Open, Mats Down: Lighting the Way for Arizona’s Children” is a community event hosted by radi8 Hot Yoga and the Center for the Rights of Abused Children on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., at the radi8 Hot Yoga’s Arcadia Studio, 3950 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix.
“Hearts Open, Mats Down” aims to highlight the needs of children in Arizona’s foster care system and the need for adoptive homes.
Arizona faces a critical shortage of licensed foster families, leaving hundreds of abused and neglected children without a safe home for the holidays. Figures show at least 1,500 children, from babies to teens, are living in shelters, group homes, and institutional settings.
As foster and adoptive moms, Christina Biagioli-Chapman, owner of radi8 Hot Yoga (Best Yoga of the Valley 2024), and Darcy Olsen, Founder of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children (Arizona’s Best Non-Profit 2024), know the joys and challenges of fostering and adopting. Christina, better known as 'Aidan’s mom,' found her path to parenthood through adoption, while Darcy keeps up with her four foster-adopted children through daily radi8 sessions.
This public event answers the call from radi8 members and the local community eager to make a difference for children in need—whether by becoming foster parents, adopting, giving charitable support, or raising awareness. It’s about every child deserving to be seen, supported, and safe.
Three big goals: inspire more people to foster and adopt, amplify charitable support, and yes, gain some press! We want the public to hear about the needs of abused children and inspire change. Together, we can transform lives.
Event Highlights:
- Special Class: “Hearts Open, Mats Down” @ 4:00 pm – A heart-opening session led by Christina, with charitable donations fueling pro bono legal aid for kids in the care system. Because every child deserves an advocate in their corner. This date was selected as it is the 6th anniversary of Aidan’s legal adoption day!
- Community Chat: “radi8 Love Stories” @ 3:00-4:00 pm – A casual, open house style chat with Christina and Darcy where Radi8 members can ask questions, share stories, and meet our kids.
- Raffle & Lemonade Stand – Play in our raffle to win local prizes and stop by from 3:00 – 5:30 pm at Radi8 to taste some of Aidan’s lemonade and support children in need.