(We did) “Sweat for Vets” & their Families
111 Sun Salutations ~ CLASS PHOTOS, below

We enjoyed a “packed house” on Friday eve, November 11, 2011 @ 6:05pm.  For TWO HOURS, courageous yogi’s enjoyed breath, sweat, camaraderie.  We were even graced with a surprise visit of Mr. John Rogers, a Vietnam Vet (2nd from right, photo right) who did two tours; and his daughter-in-law, Jessica Gaspar (center, photo right – who also happens to be one of our long-time DPYP! Yogini’s) – who is being deployed to Canada next month, and on to Afghanistan early Spring 2012.  Jessica’s sentiments – “It wasn’t my Drill Sergeant who got me through Boot Camp, it was Suze’s Yoga that got me through Basic Training & Boot Camp.”

The evening was a great success & all DONATIONS went directly to Lone Survivor Foundation.  The Lone Survivor Foundation restores, empowers & renews hope for our wounded warriors and their families through health, wellness & therapeutic support.

Enjoy the CLASS PHOTOS, below …and… a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this such a wonderful event:

a) Maria, our Domestic Angel, who always keeps our studio fresh, clean & beautiful.
b) Danute, our Future Yogee Angel (Babysitter) & Jessica, Jr., Jessica Gaspar’s step-daughter (left, photo above – who enjoyed time with us on-the-mats & later, helping with the children)
c) Janelle Moore, who made us aware of Lone Survivor Foundation & Kate Balderas, who helped us get-the-word-out.
d) Eileen Nagel (photo, left) ~ our long-time DPYP! Yogini & Friend ~ GREAT HELP set-up, drinks, snacks.
e) Megan & Erika ~ our superb FC’s ~ Front Desk “Welcoming Duo” ~ absolutely fantastic ladies!!
f) Mr John Rogers ~ who kept meticulous count of each Sun Salutation with precise Military excellence ~ all 1,332 postures!  and….Josh (far right, photo above – Jessica’s step-son) who joined us on-the-mats, supporting his step-mom.
g) John Pokrassa ~ my Sweet Man, Event Organizer & our Resident Photographer ~ who ALWAYS makes sure we have our memories marked forever in great photos.
h) Jami Rossetto ~ Our Orator, who researched/chose unique inspirational excerpts & shared them with us ~ during brief rest-breaks ~ with a sincere heart & spirit – felt by all.
i) Our DPYP! Transformers ~ Jennifer Smith, Anne Amacker, Cynthia Maxwell, Tiffanie Mutlu, Lisa Zehner, Star O’Neill, Julie Upton, Kendra Munchel, Dawn Griggs ~~ Each DPYP! Transformer sharing her gift to lead & inspire – her heart, energy & voice guiding us in a strong, dynamic flow.
j) Our Yogi’s & Yogini’s ~ An amazing group of ‘glowing’ (sweaty) people who completed the WHOLE, and whose strength & dedication paralleled the cause of the evening ~ the challenges faced by our Vets & their families.

Thank You to STARBUCKS for supplying gallons of icy cold drinks ~ TOTALLY APPRECIATED upon leaving pools of sweat in our wake – after TWO HOURS of consistent physical movement.

and….a special note of acknowledgement for our DPYP! Transformer, Patrick Orand – His first yoga practice since being diagnosed with throat cancer in early 2010. Patrick has journeyed through disease, chemo/radiation (200lbs to 148 lbs) to recovery – a clean bill of health – strong again, at 180 lbs.