'Tis the season: Small businesses step up for causes

Valley small business owners are finding ways to help others this holiday season.

Breathe Fitness in Minden is hosting Spin for a Cause 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to raise money for Carson Advocates for Cancer Care, a local nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients with financial assistance. All proceeds will go to the organization.

"On the day of the event you can challenge yourself to a spin class, buy a bike for the day, sponsor a cyclist or make a donation in honor of a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer," Breathe Fitness owner Jeanne Robinson said in an e-mail. "We will have a raffle and silent auction, as well as food and drinks (no alcohol) all day."

The list of local businesses that donated for the event includes Alpen Sierra Mountain Roasted Coffee, Sierra Mountain Gallery, Insight Project Management, Exquisite Massage, Dainty Nails, Saletti's Restaurant and Bar, Carson Valley Beauty Supply and Salon, Joyce's Jewelry, West Coast Martial Arts, Big Daddy's Bike, Ski and Board, Russell's Mercantile Bakery, 88 Cups Coffee and Tea, El Aguila Real Mexican Restaurant, Tanning Etc., Lira's Supermarket, Fresh Ideas, Tahoe Ridge Winery and Marketplace, Battle Born Wine, Hendricks Automotive, Izou Enterprizes, Pinnacle Construction, Ronald and Mary Mueller, The Wild Bean Catering and Karen Creel.

Marlene Collins, a student at Breathe Fitness, spearheaded the event after the loss of her mother to cancer in October.

"Jeanne was grateful I was still able to go there (Breathe Fitness) and get all the frustrations and emotions out," Collins said. "I wanted to do something in memory of my mom. She was a very giving person. After she passed away, after a two-year battle, I felt very negative. But going around to the local businesses here in town brought my faith back. There are amazing people in the Valley, wonderful, wonderful people."

Breathe Fitness is located at 1560 Highway 395. Call 790-6377 for more information or visit www.breathefitness.info.

The spinning studio isn't the only one helping out others. Across the street, Photo Happy has set up two red mailboxes, one for letters to Santa Claus and one for letters to U.S. military personnel deployed overseas.

"Photo Happy has partnered with A Million Thanks to collect and deliver thank-you cards and letters to U.S. service members stationed throughout the world," owner Diana Basche said in a press release. "The community is encouraged to write letters and cards communicating their appreciation to the U.S. service members fighting for our freedom and future. Letters can be addressed to a specific individual or be applicable to any U.S. service member. All postage will be paid by Photo Happy."

On Monday, Basche said the project sprang from her desire to provide the community with an easy way to support the troops.

"Being a business here, I wanted to make sure there's access in our own community where people can participate," she said. "And I wanted to make it part of the holiday experience - that's why I tied it in with Santa. The kids are so cute what they're asking for, but at the same time, they're getting involved in doing something nice for those who have done great things for us."

Basche said the letters are part of her studio's "Believe" program to "embrace the magic of the holiday season."

Santa himself will be making an appearance at the studio from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Children will have an opportunity to get photos taken with Santa, have hot chocolate with Mrs. Claus, and make crafts and holiday fun with elves. Cost, including a 4-by-6 photo, is $15 per child. No reservations are required.

"We're turning the studio into the North Pole. The whole point is to have fun," Basche said. "Versus going to the mall and standing in line, we want it to be an experience, not just selling picture packages."

Photo Happy is located at 1573 Highway 395 in Minden.

For more information, call 782-2882.