Department stores may be telling you that it’s time to deck the halls, but before you hang up any holiday decorations, be sure to give thanks this Thanksgiving. Next Thursday, Phoenix will be the host of two Thanksgiving events encouraging you to not only give thanks, but to also give back. They include Sutra in the Park and the Salvation Army dinner.
The Sutra in the Park event will host a yoga class outdoors while also collecting money and winter coat donations. To attend the event, either donate a coat or $5. The event will take place at Coronado Park from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“I think it is the full experience that Sutra brings to the community; a festival-style morning with yoga, meditation, live music, Sutra prizes and giveaways,” said Sutra Studio’s Matthew Fritz. “It is truly a great opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a beautiful outdoor venue, and exchange their energies and gratitude toward one another.”
Sutra in the Park will be sponsored by the Karma Sutra Initiative.
“The Karma Sutra Initiative was started in 2009 when my wife Rebecca and I were seeking ways to get our children more involved in community affairs,” Fritz said. “Our goal is to raise awareness for organizations that truly make a difference in the every day world. We simply shine a light on those already doing tremendous things.”
Fritz said he would like to see the Karma Sutra Initiative become more involved with family, children, and community and neighborhood projects.
“I feel very fortunate that we have had the opportunity to work with the great organizations that we have, but I feel there is a lot more work to be done and I look forward to expanding on mission to a larger scale initiative,” he said.
Fritz said that when people come to the Sutra in the Park event, they can expect “a neighborhood park full of life and activity. They can expect to enjoy a fabulous Sutra Flow Class next to their friends and neighbors. They can expect a feeling of belonging, involvement, and community awareness as we celebrate the feelings of gratitude.”
This will be Sutra Studio’s seventh year putting on the Sutra in the Park event. To date, the organization has donated 1,000 winter jackets to charities in need.
Another event taking place in downtown Phoenix this Thanksgiving is the Salvation Army dinner, which will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center.
This year, the Salvation Army plans to serve approximately 2,500 meals for Thanksgiving. While there are no more volunteer opportunities left for the Thanksgiving dinner, interested volunteers can go to salvationarmy.phoenix.org and click on the volunteer link to sign up for future events.
“(Volunteers do) everything, from set up, clean up, food preparation, decorations, ushers, greeters and serving,” said Melany Stroupe, the Salvation Army’s public relations director for the Southwest Division.
Stroupe said guests at the dinner can expect “a full sit-down traditional meal with linens, silverware and porcelain plates. We also have a band, children’s activities and free haircuts and manicures. We have a group of stylists that donate their time that day.”
“The Salvation Army has been serving the Valley for 123 years and has always provided meals for those in need. It’s really about providing hope, maintaining dignity and giving folks a welcoming place to be on Thanksgiving.”
Whether you choose to attend the Sutra in the Park event, the Salvation Army dinner, or just spend time with your family, be sure to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Contact the columnist at Holly.Bernstein@asu.edu.
