What began as one woman's desire to reclaim the true spirit of giving during the holiday season has evolved into a grassroots phenomenon that has raised nearly $1 million for local charities over 14 years.

"Fourteen years ago, during the first week of December, I felt really apathetic to the whole Christmas money grab," explained Liz Forkel, owner of LizFit, whose SPINNING GENEROSITY has grown each year since its founding. "I wanted to give myself the gift of truly giving. In my soul, that's what I love to do."

What started as a single Friday spin class in 2011 that raised more than $5,000 for WomenAid has transformed into a week-long celebration of community generosity. Absorbing all marketing costs, rentals, and expenses herself, she wanted to ensure that 100% of proceeds go directly to the participating charities.

*Riders for Step Up Parents at Spinning Generosity in 2024*

"There's so much a nonprofit has to do to raise money, so I wanted to relieve them of some of that financial burden," said Forkel. Forkel and her LizFit staff teach seven classes throughout the week while coordinating the extensive fundraising effort. People can participate in the spin class by fundraising at least $150 (registration opens November 1st), making a direct donation, or joining a charity’s team to fundraise and share a personal link—regardless of participation in the ride.

One of these benefiting charities is Step Up Parents (SUP). Founded in 2019, SUP offers in-kind and financial assistance to relatives who care for children whose parents struggle with substance use disorder throughout NH and southern ME.

"We are incredibly grateful to Liz for including Step Up Parents in Spinning Generosity for the third consecutive year," said Denyse Richter, SUP founder. "Her vision of making a meaningful impact in our community while bringing people together embodies the spirit of generosity that drives our mission to support kinship caregivers who step up when families face crisis."

In addition to SUP, participating charities include NH Pet Aid, Community Toolbox, Girls on the Run, End 68 Hours of Hunger, Red's Good Vibes, and Gather. The event features festive costumes, silly hats for all riders, and a welcoming atmosphere designed to make the 45-minute classes fun and accessible for participants of all fitness levels.

"It's a lot of silliness, and everyone is having fun," Forkel noted. "Most of these people don't take spin classes, so we make it doable and fun for all."

The week culminates on Sunday, December 14th, with final totals announced at 3 p.m. Forkel's goal is to surpass $1 million raised over the 14-year history of Spinning Generosity. Sign-ups for riders begin November 1st, with fundraising pages already live.

Classes are held at Spinnaker Point, 30 Spinnaker Way, Portsmouth, NH. For more information, visit spinninggenerosity.com. To learn more or support Step Up Parents, visit stepupparents.org.

14-Year Charity Mission Helps Seacoast Nonprofits “Step Up”