As many of you know, I am a second-generation Russian! Both of my parents were lucky enough to have immigrated to the United States, leaving their family and familiarity behind to provide better opportunities for their growing family. While my parents were never able to reconnect with their parents and siblings, I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Russia and developed relationships with some of my relatives. Most of my family still lives in Russia, and Putin's warmongering in Ukraine is destroying their lives and misrepresenting the true spirit of the Russian people.
Ukraine needs our help!
The relentless bombardment of the country has destroyed entire cities, decimated Ukraine's infrastructure, and shattered their economy, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing millions of families. Millions of people have fled Ukraine, creating a new humanitarian crisis globally.
Community is strength, especially in times of need, and we must come together in any way we can. For this reason, Kelly and I are spearheading this fundraiser for Ukraine.
The Consulate of Ukraine in San Francisco has indicated the need for help in Ukraine and endorses the charity Nova Ukraine. Nova Ukraine is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Ukraine in the US and worldwide and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Nova Ukraine is based in the area of Stanford (Palo Alto) and has many opportunities for all of us to donate and volunteer our time.
There are two ways you can help!
• Make a $50 donation to this GoFundMe, and join us on Saturday, June 11th, to celebrate the Community Spirit and Strength Ukraine Fundraising Event.
• Make a straight donation (any amount, big or small) to this GoFundMe.
Celebrate a Morning of Community Spirit and Strength Ukraine Fundraising Event!
Saturday, June 11th, from 10 am - 12:30 pm. - Light Stretching & Gentle Yoga, and Lunch with Friends!
David Cho will guide us through an hour of light stretching and gentle yoga! After a successful dance career on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera, David now shares his passion for movement and mindfulness with others through yoga and meditation. With over 15 years of teaching dance, yoga, and mat Pilates; his creativity combines all three disciplines in his classes. Whether you are new to yoga, have a regular practice, are nursing an injury, or want to condition your body. David welcomes you!
An hour of light stretching and gentle yoga, will be easy enough for anyone to participate and enjoy! No yoga experience is necessary for this Event!
The first 50 people (family, friends, siblings ...) who would like to celebrate in the morning Community Spirit and Strength Ukraine Fundraising Event, will receive a place on the grass or patio for their yoga mat or beach towel, and lunch with friends!
If you are coming to the Event, please make sure to reply to the initial email that you and how many others would like to celebrate in the Community Spirit and Strength Ukraine Fundraising Event! A confirmation email with the Event address will be sent directly to you!
Fundraising Event - Saturday, June 11th; 10 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Hillsborough - address will be given with confirmation.
Parking: Street, driveway, come early for a close spot! Carpool if possible.
Enter: Through the green gate by the garage to the backyard.
Wear: Comfortable clothing for light stretching & gentle yoga (no yoga experience necessary for this event).
What to Bring: Yoga Mat, Beach Towel (put on grass, then yoga mat on top or use as your mat). Water Bottle, Hat or Visor.
Schedule:
10 am - Arrive, find a spot on the grass or patio.
11 am - Light Stretching & Gentle Yoga.
12 pm - Lunch with Friends.
Thank you for your generous donations - big or small, we all can make a difference in the world!
Natalie Vasiliev & Kelly Kemp
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