"Laugh for Vets" Laughter Yoga Veteran Fundraiser

FAIRBANKS LAUGHTER YOGA OFFERING A DONATION-BASED “LAUGH FOR VETS” EVENT DURING VETERANS GRATITUDE WEEK
 
October 20, 2017, Fairbanks, Alaska – Michael Bork, Positive Leadership Coach, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and Owner of Laughtership LLC, is partnering with Veterans Yoga Project as part of its 4^th Annual Veterans Gratitude Week fundraising event, which takes place Nov. 3-12, 2017.
 
Veterans Gratitude Week encourages yoga studios and instructors across the country to host donation-based classes to support the veteran community, especially those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related issues.
 
“In my 7 years working with the veteran community, I’ve witnessed firsthand how important yoga and meditation practice is for vets dealing with PTSD,” said Dr. Daniel Libby, a clinical psychologist and Executive Director of the Veterans Yoga Project. “The success I’ve seen is the reason I created Veterans Yoga Project and it’s the reason why we’re on a mission to bring yoga to vets who need it.”
 
Beginning in 2014, Veterans Gratitude Week has grown from 96 classes in 25 states to 425 classes in 46 states in 2016, raising more than $180,000 in three years. In 2017, Veterans Yoga Project hopes to raise more than $85,000 and host more than 500 classes in all 50 states.
 
To show their support, Laughtership LLC and the Fairbanks Laughter Yoga Club will host a donation-based Laughter Yoga class, on Veteran’s Day Saturday, November 11th at 3:00-4:30p.m. at the Fairbanks Elks Lodge. Suggested donation is $10 per person, and all proceeds will go to the Veterans Yoga Project. Donations can also be made online, directly to the Veterans Yoga Project by visiting their website www.veteransyogaproject.org/veterans-gratitude-week.
 
“It’s encouraging to see so many people and studios get involved to support veterans’ recovery and resilience,” said Libby.
 
Fairbanks local Michael Bork adds “As soon as I was contacted by the Veterans Yoga Project, I knew that I had to be on board. Laughter Yoga is used all over the world to improve resiliency and happiness, decrease and manage stress, and fight depression. This is a natural fit, and as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, I am proud to participate.”
 
Veterans Yoga Project is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization and depends upon the support of donors to take care of veterans in need. All of the proceeds benefit the Veterans Yoga Project’s mission of supporting recovery and resilience in the lives of our veterans, families, and communities.
 
“I am employed and have a place to live now.  Yoga saved my life”
~Mike, USMC Veteran who participated in VYP program
 
Yoga studios and teachers looking to participate can sign up at: 4th Annual Veterans Gratitude Week. Once registered, participating studios will receive an information packet and their class will be listed on a searchable class database on Veterans Gratitude Week
 
“Less than one percent of Americans have served their country,” said Libby. “Participating in Veterans Gratitude Week is more than just thanking a veteran for their service, it’s a tangible way to give back to those who have sacrificed in service of our country.”
 
You can contact Michael Bork if you have any questions about the “Laugh for Vets” event by emailing him at LaughingBork@gmail.com.