When Victoria Brunacci lost the sponsor for her Flamingo Park's yoga classes, the instructor rallied her students -- one of whom helped her connect with a new source of funding.

The tri-weekly classes, which had been funded by the Miami Beach Police Athletic League, will continue -- but won't be free anymore.

``Initially it was a class by donation, but at the end of the day I need to make a living,'' said Brunacci. When the Miami Beach Police Athletic League no longer had the money to sponsor the free yoga classes in the park, Brunacci was faced with few options: have her members pay a hefty fee per class, work for free, or be creative.

A student put her in touch with Palmetto Ford Truck Center, which is the new class sponsor. The dealership contributed $1,500. A membership fee is also keeping the class going, and a yoga card must be shown to participate in the class.

Yoga cards can be purchased in the Miami Beach Police Athletic League Gym office at 999 11th St. for $5 for one class, $10 for four classes, and $20 for eight classes.

Brunacci is hopeful that the sponsor will continue giving donations in exchange for advertising on the class banner that hangs in the park, as well as the city's parks and recreation website and Miami Beach Magazine.

``As long as the economy holds its budget, [the dealership] will continue to sponsor us,'' she said.

The funding goes towards Brunacci's pay of $35 a class, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

She says that, so far, sales have been profitable.

``I probably sold around $450 in yoga cards since last month,'' Brunacci said.

So far she has incorporated music and temporary henna tattoos into the class, acting as the tattoo artist. She hopes to further improve the class by buying yoga mats for new participants and a shelter from the rain.

``My goal is for next year to find a place with a room,'' Brunacci said.