Illuminations Gala by Chapman Partnership

On November 11, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending Chapman Partnership's annual Illuminations Gala, held at the JW Marriott Marquis. It was an enchanting evening filled with dining, dancing, and entertainment, dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of donors and volunteers. Their commitment serves as a beacon of hope for the 3,000 men, women, and children supported by Chapman Partnership each year.

As a supporter of this cause, I find great fulfillment in contributing to the events team and bringing together my community of Cafe Namaste volunteers to join in this meaningful celebration. The Illuminations Gala not only serves as a festive occasion but also plays a crucial role as the largest fundraiser for Chapman Partnership. This year, the event surpassed expectations by raising over $800,000, a testament to the community's collective dedication to providing life-changing programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The gala truly encapsulated the spirit of resilience in the face of challenges.

The evening, skillfully produced by WOW MKTG, showcased a commitment to honoring those who champion Chapman Partnership's mission daily. It was a privilege to be part of an event that not only celebrates generosity but actively contributes to fostering self-sufficiency for those in need.

ABOUT:

Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, operating two Homeless Assistance Centers in downtown Miami and Homestead. Chapman Partnership offers a comprehensive approach through on-site services and through its valued partnership with the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, to help residents attain self-sufficiency and housing stability.

Mayor Levine Cava & Samantha Reynolds

Samantha Reynolds, Mayor Levine Cava, Dan Bell

Photo by World Redeye

Volunteer Day with Green Haven Project

On Sunday, March 26, I partnered with the Green Haven Project for a Cafe Namaste volunteer day to inspire and promote civic engagement with the Miami community. Most participants were surprised that this non-profit exists in downtown Miami.

Situated in the northern part of downtown, Green Haven Project creates vegetable gardens in food deserts and provides education to the surrounding community. This is hopefully the first of many volunteer days to help our fellow neighbors and inspire Miamians to get more involved.

Background:

Cafe Namaste is actually rooted in volunteerism and the value of service. I never worked in downtown Miami until 2019. I was in Coral Gables and I rarely left. But one day I joined a volunteer day with a group of women at the Lotus House. It was there I met the events manager of a large developer in downtown. We connected and she invited me to see the property to teach yoga and bring “soul” to the space. She said I could create whatever event I wanted. Thus, Cafe Namaste was born in downtown Miami. Unbeknownst to me I had no idea that one encounter would spark something that has grown much bigger than what it was ever meant to be. Cafe Namaste may have never started and I might not have shifted to wellness real estate.

To learn more or join me on the next one, go to Cafe Namaste.

Tennis for a Cause with Lilly Pulitzer and Break the Love

Sunday, March 26: What a beautiful day at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne to celebrate Lilly Pulitzer’s new collection for WTA charities, an exclusive 50th anniversary WTA Collection from Lilly Pulitzer.

I have a new love for tennis again since my high school days! Thank you for an incredible day in Miami!

To celebrate Women’s History Month, they’re introducing Holding Court, a Print with Purpose that benefits WTA Charities. Honoring 50 trailblazing years of the Women’s Tennis Association, this print will support WTA Charities in their work to empower girls and women.

Journey to Colombia: Wellness with the Xol Foundation

As part of a service trip with the Xol Foundation, I was invited to attend and be a part of a community wellness day in one of the villages outside of Cali, Colombia set high in the mountains.

Yoga at the Kampong: Where Yoga Meets Conservation

Having an immense appreciation for nature and an interest in conservation, I partnered with the Kampong, part of the non-profit, National Tropical Botanical Gardens to offer yoga classes in a peaceful sanctuary outside of Miami city life. Last Saturday, I held another class to support this 9-acre tropical estate in Coconut Grove. The community of Kampong yogis is growing!

The next weekend class will be held Saturday, February 23 at 10:30am. To register, sign up online. I’ve also partnered with Xol Coffee and they will be returning to provide free coffee and light bites.

In addition to weekend classes, I’m launching regularly scheduled classes beginning in February. An all levels flow style class will be held on Wednesdays at 9:30am. The first class on February 13 will be free for members and a special intro rate of $15 applies to non-members.

The Kampong is the former home of famed botanist, Dr. David Fairchild. It is on the list of historic homes in Miami and contains a beautiful collection of artifacts and plants from around the world. Dr. Fairchild is credited for bringing over 30,000 plant species and produce (e.g. avocados) to the United States.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Kampong, you’ll receive unlimited park access, event invites, and discounted yoga class. To become a member, apply here.

See you at the next class!

April 8: Special Yoga Class to Benefit Rwandan Youth Village

Stories from the Mat: From Rwanda to Yoga

April is Genocide Awareness Month. Please join me this Sunday, April 8, 5:30pm at FloYo Coral Gables for a donation-based yoga class to benefit the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, a place dear to my heart and home to more than 500 orphaned teens.

I'll share my journey of how I started practicing yoga after living abroad for six years in the Czech Republic and Rwanda working in higher education and international development. I'll then guide you through a 60-minute vinyasa flow class (all levels) to Rwandan music. We'll end with a dialogue and Q+A. Refreshments will be provided thanks to the generous support of Raw Juce.

GIVEAWAYS

At the end of class, I'll be giving away handmade Rwandan gifts and a Lululemon Mat courtesy of Lululemon Brickell City Centre, Miami. Lululemon was the first company I worked for after moving back to the USA!

HOW TO DONATE

Please bring cash or check donations made payable to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. You can also donate online.

LOCATION

The studio is located at 1430 S. Dixie Hwy, Suite 116. Coral Gables, FL 33146, next to Madruga Bakery and Raw Juce.

SIGN UP ONLINE

SIGN UP HERE

LEARN MORE

MISSION: Their goal is to enable orphaned and vulnerable youth to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.

For more information about the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, please visit their website. Check out the video below to see what ASYV looks like.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at sam@journeysforthesoul.com. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Peace and Love xoxo,

Originally shown at Stand Up & Be Counted 2017