Philanthropy

GIVING BACK
A Message from Tom & Karen

Tom and Karen - Giving Back

As part of our mission at Center of Balance, we believe in supporting organizations that work to improve the lives of individuals, promote the health of our communities and protect the environment we all share. We highlight important groups and promote their vital work through our web site, at our studio, and by holding special donation-only classes to financially support their efforts. We donate 100% of the money collected for class — plus any additional contributions — to these organizations. These classes are a way for our students, staff, and extended community to learn about essential organizations, as well as participate in raising much-needed funds for their work.

Below are links to past events, and some of the amazing organizations we support. For links to additional groups we support, visit our Good Works page.

We hope you'll join us in giving back!

100% Donation Classes with Tom McCook - 2020

March 5, June 16, September 10, November 19
12 pm - 1pm

Take Pilates class & help others!

Join us for selected Pilates Progression mat classes with Tom and help support the important work of human rights, environmental and community development organizations! Center of Balance will donate 100% of money collected for class — plus any additional contributions — to NAACP, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sierra Club and Oxfam America!

About NAACP

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

About Second Harvest Food Bank

One of the largest food banks in the United States, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties is dedicated to ending local hunger and helping families in need.

About Sierra Club

Founded by legendary conservationist John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club is now the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, working to protect habitats and wildlife, promote our great Outdoors and fight for clean energy.

About Oxfam America

Oxfam America is a global organization working on long-term solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. They work with people in more than 90 countries to mobilize relief efforts during natural disasters and humanitarian crises, as well as create lasting solutions.

To Register

If you’d like to pre-register, please call Center of Balance at 650-967-6414 or register online: http://www.centerofbalance.com/class-info/class-schedules. The cost of the class is $22 for a drop-in (cash, credit card and checks accepted), or by deducting from your class pass. 100% of the money paid for class will be donated by Center of Balance. Students are welcomed to contribute additional funds.

100% Donation Class to Benefit NAACP

Tuesday - June 16, 2020 Raised $750!

12 - 1pm (California time)

Support civil rights!

Join us for Tom's 12pm Pilates Progressions virtual class on June 16, a 100% donation class in honor of NAACP and to support its important work to promote equality and social justice. NAACP's mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Center of Balance will donate 100% of the money collected for class, plus any addittional donations, to NAACP.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s foremost, largest, and most widely recognized civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, leading grassroots campaigns for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization. The vision of the NAACP is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

Cost & Registration Info

Click here to register!

Please join us! This class will be taught via Zoom - be sure to have a registered Zoom account to attend. Registration and payment is handled online through our MindBody account - please log in or create an account with us. Registration closes 30 minutes before the start of class - sign up early!

Cost: The cost of the class is $22 for a drop-in. Or we will deduct payment from your class pass. If you'd like to donate additional funds, we will include this in our payment to NAACP.

To learn more about the NAACP and if you wish to contribute additional funds, please visit NAACP's website: https://naacp.org

Support Fire Recovery Efforts

Thursday, November 29, 2018
12 pm - 1pm

100% Donation Class - Donated $350!

Please join us for a 100% donation class to support recovery efforts in Paradise and the surrounding communities!

Communities have been devastated by the historic Camp Fire in Butte County. Our hearts are with the entire community of Paradise and the surrounding communities.

Tom’s Pilates Progression class on 11/29 will be dedicated to the relief work now underway and to long-term rebuilding efforts. Center of Balance will donate 100% of the money paid for class, and any of your additional contributions, to the North Valley Community Foundation, a respected organization deeply connected to the communities it serves. It has set up funds specifically committed to fire relief.

Can’t join us for class? You can still help! Please donate directly through their website:

www.nvcf.org

If you’d like to pre-register, please call Center of Balance at 650-967-6414 or register online: http://www.centerofbalance.com/class-info/class-schedules. The cost of the class is $19 for a drop-in (cash, credit card and checks accepted), or by deducting from your class pass. 100% of the money paid for class will be donated by Center of Balance. Students are welcomed to contribute additional funds.

Support Fire Relief Efforts

Thursday, October 26, 2017
12 pm - 1pm

Raised $435!

100% Donation Class!

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Please join us for a 100% donation class to support recovery efforts in Napa and Sonoma counties!

Communities have been devastated by the historic fires in the North Bay. We have many clients, friends and colleagues who live in the areas affected. This will be a long road to recovery and we can all pitch in to help our neighbors!

Tom’s Pilates Progression class on 10/26 will be dedicated to the on-the-ground relief work now underway and to long-term rebuilding efforts. Center of Balance will donate 100% of the money paid for class, and any of your additional contributions, to the Napa Valley Community Foundation and to the Community Foundation Sonoma County, both respected organizations deeply connected to the communities they serve. Both organizations have set up funds specifically committed to fire relief.

Can’t join us for class? You can still help! Please donate directly through their websites:

www.napavalleycf.org

www.sonomacf.org

Julian Littleford Family Fund

Help honor Julian's spirit by supporting Carol, Samantha and Tom!

Raised over $50,000

November 2013
Julian Littleford was one of the rare few people you meet in your life who can inspire you with their wisdom as well as with their heart. Ready to greet you with a warm hug and quick wit, Julian's zest for life was infectious. A former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Company, internationally-esteemed Pilates educator, devoted friend, and loving family man, Julian was a vibrant spirit. He was an insightful teacher and mentor to Pilates teachers all over the world, and brought a level of rigor and integrity to the work that made him one of the most sought-after educators in the field.