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10 | April 26, 2018 | The wilmette beacon news wilmettebeacon.com Wilmette’s ReDefined Fitness assists homeless shelter Alexa Burnell Freelance Reporter Eric Smoot and Silviu Gansca, co-owners of Wilmette’s ReDefined Fitness, know there’s no better way to strengthen their client’s hearts than by combining effective workouts with the chance to bring cheer to those in need. So, it was no surprise when the duo recently reached out to their clientele, asking for their help to benefit the women and children of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s homeless shelter. The story begins this past summer when Smoot and Gansca had organized a fun afternoon of sports and play at Lovelace Park in Evanston for several youth-serving organizations. The YWCA was excited to be invited, but declined because they did not have the transportation. Smoot and Gansca jumped into action, told their clients about the situation, and quickly raised $10,000, purchasing a minivan from Jennings Chevrolet in Glenview. “We bring all our ideas to the clients, and everyone immediately helps,” Smoot said. “ReDefined clients have big hearts and want to help. I find the people who need the help, and they do the rest. It makes everyone who comes in here feel good about themselves physically and emotionally.” For Smoot, his desire to help others stems from a past filled with fear and uncertainty. His parents struggled with drug addiction, using and selling throughout his childhood. He bounced between Evanston and Gary, Ind., living in poverty; twice in his life, Smoot was homeless. Instead of being bitter about the cards that life had dealt him, Smoot stayed positive, crediting his hardships and even his parents for making him who he is today. “My mom certainly had her ups and downs, but the way I see it, being an addict was just one part of her,” Smoot said. “She was also an entrepreneur, opening her own beauty shop in Evanston. She taught me that even when things were bad, there was always something to be grateful for; a message that has stuck with me ever since.” Smoot’s fate took a turn for the better when his friend’s mother, despite her own financial struggles, adopted him, and his track coach recognized his talent, taking Smoot under his wing. “When my friend’s mother, who I refer to as my Godmother, adopted me, I remember her saying, ‘I don’t have much, but I will love you,’” Smoot said. “At the same time, my track coach took on the role of my father and never gave up on me. I knew everything was going to be alright because of this stability in my life.” These experiences profoundly impacted Smoot, motivating him, as an adult, to give back to atrisk children. Smoot understands how one, kind gesture from an adult, can make all the difference in their lives. He works with the Ark Homeless Shelter for Women and Families in Gary, Indiana, Family Focus in Evanston, Connections for the Homeless and more. At his posh studio, garbage bags full of donations, regularly line his gym, as he remains consistently committed to helping others. “See, I had to go through my own troubles, so that I could later help someone else,” Smoot said. “I know how important it is for a kid to have a supportive, stable adult in their lives; I tell the kids I work with, ‘you can overcome anything with love.’” Gansca too knows what it means to go without, and how the kindness of strangers can make all the difference in the world. At age 12, he moved to the United States from Romania, with nothing but the clothes on his back. “I understand what it is like to have nothing; to start from scratch,” Gansca said. “But, because of the generosity of complete strangers, my family and I were given food, clothing and anything else we needed to survive and thrive.” Smoot and Gansca have made it part of their business motto to continuously give back and are committed to taking their clients along for the ride. “We have a very generous and supportive community here at ReDefined,” Gansca said. “They get behind us and make our goals to help others, possible. We couldn’t do it without them; it’s the culture around here – a team effort between us and our clients.” Both Smoot and Gansca say the struggles of their past, positively impact their future, reminding them to be grateful and joyful for all they have today. “I’m grateful every day. I have a job, a family, a house. I know firsthand how important it is to bridge the gap between the haves and the haves Eric Smoot (left) and Silviu Gansca are co-owners of ReDefined Fitness in Wilmette. Photos submitted not. So much of what happens to us in our lives is a result of circumstance. But, what I tell those who are struggling, is that they can break the cycle of poverty. They have the choice to find stable and healthy relationships; most importantly, they can discover the gift of gratitude, which will lead to ultimate joy and the desire to make your life the best it can be,” Smoot said. For more information on ReDefined Fitness, 1211 Washington Ave., Wilmette, their services and their commitment to help the less fortunate, visit www.redefinedfitness.net. RIGHT: Smoot meets with Karen Singer, president and CEO of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore.
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