ANKENY, Iowa — When Local 5 first brought you the story of an Ankeny gym owner who was surprised with $8,000 cash earlier this month, neither we, nor the gym members, knew just days later, they'd be surprising her with another $8,000 more.
But that sweeping fundraising effort just scratches the surface of explaining how much TGR fitness means to its members--"TGR Tigers", as they call themselves.
Owner Amber Cahill says "humbling" doesn't even begin to describe her reaction.
"They just kept making me cry. It kept happening again and again," said Cahill. "I think I've realized...this is more than exercise. This is the mental health as well as the physical health, and I'm so happy to be able to reach people. Everybody needs to belong."
Now, $16,000 in donations later, TGR is back open. But it took an unbelievable, undercover effort to to do so.
Over the course of eight days, the "Tigers" not only crowd-sourced funds from friends and family, but held a private auction. They kept it all a secret from Cahill.
"Little did I know all of this was going on behind my back," said Cahill. "I think I just have some really great friends that knew I was starting to lose it."
But Cahill's got it back, now that TGR is back open.
Like most places reopening, it now looks a bit different. Temperatures are taken at the door, and even the most rigorous of classes are conducted while wearing masks.
The donations not only paid three months rent, but it helped cover costly equipment to conduct classes safely, such as the video equipment and platform to be able to do live stream classes, which Cahill says cost $2,000.
In addition, she was able to buy more equipment for those attending classes in person.
"Extra equipment so that we're able to cycle through and not have to reuse," said Cahill.
Taking a look at all they were able to make happen makes the gym members emotional.
"People were literally jumping and dancing through the doors saying, 'I'm home again! I'm so glad to be back!' " said TGR instructor Sarah Molenburg. "That's why we did what we did."
Cahill said it will never be lost on her how much her gym means to the members and how much the members mean to her.
"There are people there who will help you if needed," she said.
Now the gym members hope to make the auction an annual fundraiser to help sponsor a six month gym membership for someone who wants to attend classes but is financially down on their luck.
This year, TGR Fitness hit its 10 year mark for being open.
Amber said she's now confident it will survive well past another 10 more.