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

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

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.

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

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

Mimi Clinton shares her inspiring story.

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, Past Board President, shares his suppor

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.

Living Yoga Grows Investment in the Human Spirit

Living Yoga Grows Investment in the Human Spirit

Portland, November 7, 2014. More than 300 friends and supporters came together to support Living Yoga at its annual, “Invest in the Human Spirit” gala, raising $110,000 to provide the healing power of yoga to communities impacted by trauma. Living Yoga’s Board members including Karen Leib, Jeff Horacek, Sara McMahon, Holly Rodway, Sue Aicher, Kelly Blunt, Sara Morrow, Michael Faith, Harry Dudley, Chip Gettinger, Nikki Dobay, and Sherrie Barger, celebrated their success.

Kim Scott, President & CEO, Trillium Family Services, kicked off the appeal by speaking passionately about the success of Living Yoga’s program at the Edwards Day School.  Living Yoga currently teaches 38 classes at 24 partner organizations, reaching more than 2000 students each year. These organizations include transitional facilities, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, prisons, and other populations.  The funds raised will help expand their program to more youth facilities, increasing access to yoga as a tool for personal change.

The event was held at Castaway with emcee, Tony Martinez, and auctioneer, Heidi Hill, who inspired the supporters to give to their highest level.  The event was chaired by Karen Leib, who orchestrated an unforgettable evening of energy and inspiration.

Photo credit: Kunal Mehra

Kim Scott of Trillium Family Services was the special guest of the night sharing how important Living Yoga's work has been for the kids and youth at Trillium.

Kim Scott of Trillium Family Services was the special guest of the night sharing how important Living Yoga’s work has been for the kids and youth at Trillium.

For more information on Living Yoga, please contact Michael Faith, Executive Director, at [email protected] or  503-546-1269