There are more than 50 million disabled Americans, a staggering number. Nearly three quarters of them are unemployed, a disturbing number.
Enable America, Inc., a national group headquartered in Tampa, is a non-profit, civic-activist organization that helps address the issues associated with the disabled and their struggles for societal independence.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, South Tampa’s Yogani Studios will host a “Yogathon 2003” fund-raiser for Enable America at the Wyndham Westshore Hotel from noon to 7 p.m.
Registration/participation fee is $35. This fee, as well as all sponsorship money, will benefit Enable America.
“Yogathon” participants can enter at the top of each hour during the brief relaxation (savasana) period. The level of each class will progress as the “Yogathon” continues. Also included: “Yoga for Kids” classes from noon to 3:00 p.m. and a special “Yoga Nidra” relaxation and meditation session from 6-7:00 p.m.
“We want to emphasize that yoga is non-competitive,” says Annie Okerlin, owner and director of Yogani Studios. “Even if you have never practiced yoga, we urge you to come and participate and experience what will be a mutually rewarding event. We can do a lot of good for a lot of people.”
For Enable America, events such as “Yogathon 2003” raise funds and consciousness and complement the organization’s nationwide awareness campaign.
“It’s not just that there are more than 50 million disabled Americans,” says Richard Salem, chairman and founder of Enable America, “but more than 75 per cent of them are unemployed and struggling to become independent. This is a national tragedy, a waste of a lot of talent and resources.
“I think that ‘Yogathons’ in Tampa and elsewhere in this country can be particularly helpful,” adds Salem. “They tend to bring people together who are our natural constituents. Folks who care about people and about their communities.”
For information on “Yogathon 2003” registration and sponsorships, contact Yogani Studios, 251-9668. For more on Enable America, visit www.enableamerica.org.