On June 17th, Boomerang Yoga Events and William Bennett Gallery presented MANDALA IN ACTION, a yoga benefit that raised over $9,000 to support, in part, the Art in All of Us Curriculum Development Program.

Art in All of Us (AiA) is an organization that promotes tolerance and cultural exchange through art and creativity activities. AiA encourages children and arts curriculums to promote tolerance of cultures around the world, an understanding of differences amongst people and bridges the meaning making of an arts curriculum with the simplicity of humanity and our desire for love, understanding and compassion.

The AiA Curriculum Development Program is about kids teaching kids through their own creativity. Knowledge is richly enhanced by cultural differences and connecting globally. Understanding is the first step to teaching tolerance. We open student's eyes to new cultures, ethnicities, religions, and languages in a way that breaks down stereotypes and discrimination. The artistic portion of the curriculum gives children a voice, empowering them to express their feelings, build their self-esteem, and create a positive future. The program promotes cultural awareness, exploring topics like geography, religion, and ethnicity through interactive activities that foster creativity.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors:

NYCeWheels

And specifically:

Gretchen Adams, Richie Altmanshofer, Ellen Bain, Desiree Bandelier, Vanessa Barg, Reisa Brafman, Brownie, Cheryl Checkman, Karen Fontana Chesleigh, Eboni Cooper, Lucy Danziger, Thomas DeGeest, Carol Espel, Briana Fails, Meredith Gonzalez, Kara Hailele-Griffin, Colleen Herman, Ingrid Hobbs, Sierra Jost, Kerry Joyce, Hari Kaur, Bryan Ledford, David Liang, Tracy Matthews, Liselle Mark, Chris Markham, Michael Mutt, Jason Ozone, Jennifer Pesce, Rose Pilato, Caity Ryan, John Sanchez, Len Tobin, Judd Trafalger, Vanessa Trouble, Patricia White, Emily Witt, Laura Varrone, Lynn Yang, Nadia Zaki, Heather Zises, the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, all the volunteers, fundraisers, AiA and everyone who has helped and supported us along the path.

Raffle Prize Winners!

Fresh Gift Basket
Jenn Drag

EILEEN FISHER $250 Gift Certificate
Kara Hailele-Griffin

Calvin Klein Brass Bowl and Votive Set
James Lindenberg and Winnie Lee Fraser

Michael Mut Painting
Hari Kaur

Pair of Nike Sneakers, Angel Feet Reflexology Gift Certificate and 4 NYCE Wheels Day Bike Rentals
Revelle Clarke-Avignant

6-month Yoga Works Membership and 2 Black Eight Circle Unitards
Karen Bellantoni

Lululemon Yoga Mat and Bag and Water Container and 10-Class Pack of Core Fusion or Yoga Classes from Exhale
Katie Kapoor

Men's and Women's Necklaces Jewelry by One Meaning
Revelle Clarke-Avignant

Betty's Surf and Yoga Camp Golden Ticket to Canoa, Ecuador
Roberta Braga

click images to enlarge


Photos by Chris Markham and Simon Curtis