ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – This Saturday the Parc Center for Disabilities in St. Petersburg is holding their big gala.

It is a fundraising event that helps them offer programming to children and adults with disabilities.

Parc's Emerald Tie Gala called There's No Place Like Parc is happening at the St. Pete Coliseum in the evening.

What You Need To Know

  •  Parc's Emerald Tie Gala is happening on Saturday at St. Pete Coliseum    

  •  A recently added class called Movement with Cheri helps adults with disabilities

  •  Mark, a Parc resident for several years, is taking the classes and loves them

One of Parc's residents has been thriving in a new class provided by a volunteer.

The recently added Movement with Cheri class incorporates gentle movements and objects such as bouncing balls which help participants develop coordination.

Mark who has been a resident at the Parc group home for more than 30 years took the course.

He said he enjoys the class and how it helps him.

"I enjoy doing it and it helps me with my body and my life,” Mark said. “So, I can do things for others. That's what I want to do. There's so many people out there, don't have nothing to do."

Since the class began last Spring, Mark has not missed one session.

During these moments, Mark gets inspired and said he has bigger ideas in the works.

"I write music and I've got to write a book idea about my family,” he said. “But I'm trying to get that published."     

Cheri McNally who volunteers at Parc and leads the class described what she appreciates about her students.

"I like that they're able to take what I offer, make it work for them and their bodies and their movements,” he said. “They offer me ideas. I would describe myself as a lifelong learner and I learn from them."

Cheri is a skilled physical therapist assistant and yoga teacher.

She said the class is a fun activity that brings joy and significantly improves coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health.

But she claimed she is the one who has more fun as an instructor.

"I love it. I look forward to it,” she said. “I have one hour a week at this point, and I enjoy it. It brightens my day."

While Mark thinks the world of the teaches and staff at Parc.

"I said they do a fantastic, great job,” he said. “I mean that."

It is a feeling shared by others looking forward to the experience every week.