Living Yoga’s “Invest in the Human Spirit” Gala Inspires

Living Yoga guests engage with the "Big Board".

Portland, OR. On October 21st, Living Yoga hosted its annual “Invest in the Human Spirit” Gala. More than 300 people gathered at the Leftbank Annex for an inspiring night, and more than $111,000 was raised to bring trauma-informed yoga to youth and adults in correctional facilities, drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers, and mental health and social service agencies. (Photo credit, Matt Gonzalez)

Living Yoga Board Members: Sherrie Barger, Chip Gettinger, Hilliary Giglio, Sara McMahon, Sue Aicher (Vice-President), Alan McCollom (Treasurer), Lauren Booth (Executive Director), Heidi Pollard-Hermann, Karen Leib, Sara Morrow (President), and Leighann Franson (Secretary). Not Pictured: Chris Calarco.

Terri & Alex Cole connect with Noah Schultz, 2015 Living Yoga featured student

Mimi Clinton shares her inspiring story.

This year, Living Yoga highlighted the story of Mimi, who found the inner strength and confidence she needed to make profound changes in her life and transition from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility to a life of hope, healing and purpose. Living Yoga students, like Mimi, are re-entering our community each day with skills to realize their own potential and engage in a fulfilling life. Each year, we deliver inspiration and hope to thousands of Living Yoga students to make our communities stronger.

“Having the option to do Living Yoga seriously changed my life. It was my medicine while I was there. It gave me purpose, it gave me an outlet, it gave me hope.” – Mimi, Past Student, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

Chip Gettinger, Board Member and past President, shares his support.

From Living Yoga:

We are grateful for the outstanding support from our generous sponsors for making the evening possible, including Lululemon, Portland Natural Health, Chown Hardware, Therapeutic Associates, Umpqua Bank, Goumi Kids, Jewel Yoga, Compass Oncology, Providence Health & Services, Columbia Sportswear, PrAna, YoYoYogi, GP Kitchen and Actual Industries.

It is with the support of our generous donors and 130 active volunteer teachers that we are able to deliver these life-changing programs to more youth and adults like Mimi, and support our community in becoming a safer, more loving, and more resilient place for everyone to live and thrive.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.