On New Year’s Day, when many businesses are normally closed, fitness centers and yoga studios on Aquidneck Island opened their doors in an effort to assist families in crisis in Newtown, Conn.

Each center pitched in by hosting donation-only classes, collecting more than $5,000 to give to the Friends of Newtown, Conn. Fund. Friends of Newtown will use the money to fund fitness, exercise and play activity therapy sessions facilitated through the Newtown Parent Connection, which serves families in crisis.

The effort was led by Middletown’s Bridge to Fitness owner, Michael Cecchi. Other facilities that participated included Able Mind & Body, Bellevue Barre Schedule, Newport Athletic Club, Newport Power Yoga, Pulse and Tenth Gate Center for Yoga and Meditation.

“We are proud of everyone that participated and I am sure they all welcomed the opportunity to start the year off in a way that could help the children of Newtown by funding exercise, athletics and play-time therapeutic activities,” Cecchi said. •