Yoga in the Park with Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Media Contact:
Taylor Jackson, info@teenkula.org P: (201) 835-5027         
Claire Whittleston, claire.whittleston@gmail.com P: (201) 675 5602

For Immediate Release

KIDS FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY THROUGH YOGA IN THE PARK

Kula for Karma and Big Brothers Big Sisters teamed up to offer therapeutic yoga sessions at no cost for children and teens aged 8-18 years at an annual yoga picnic event in Central Park, New York City on Saturday July 30, 2011.

Recent graduates of the teacher training at Hot Yoga NJ, Ali Kaplan, Kass Visokey and Karen Lombardi, collaborated and led a series of heart opening, laughter inducing yoga classes for the children and their big brothers and sisters.

The event focused on health and wellbeing while celebrating the power of mentorship. Kathy Kunath, Social Worker at Big Brothers Big Sisters of 223 East 30th Street, New York City said, "In an attempt to fight childhood obesity, this year's focus was on health and wellness. The fundamentals of Yoga promote discipline, relaxation & self preservation - all tools the youth within our highly specialized programs need to acquire. Thanks to Kula for Karma's presence our health and wellness initiative was brought home."

Kula for Karma harnesses the power of therapeutic yoga, mindfulness meditation and the selfless service of passionate volunteers to relieve suffering and promote wellness among society's most vulnerable populations—those who have been challenged by illness, disabilities, violence and other traumas. "We're successful because we excel at collaboration and community outreach and we were thrilled to team up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help children and teens realize their potential," said Geri Topfer, Founder and President. "Our success is due to the selfless service of talented certified yoga instructors who staff the programs on a volunteer basis. Because of them we can make a difference in the lives of so many people." added Topfer.

About Kula for Karma
Founded in 2007, Kula for Karma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization harnesses the power of therapeutic yoga, mindfulness meditation and the selfless service of passionate volunteers torelieve suffering and promote wellness among society's most vulnerable populations—those who have been challenged by illness, disabilities, violence and other traumas. While keeping abreast of growing research that supports the use of yoga and meditation for treatment purposes, Kula for Karma partners with hospitals, social service agencies and schools to create custom-tailored programs for their most needy client populations. These include children with life-altering illnesses, veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abusers and women with cancer, to name just a few. Kula for Karma has four branches including Teen Kula, Kula Care, Kula Hospice and Caring for the Caregivers. All programs are established in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with the majority located in northern New Jersey. www.kulaforkarma.org