Shakti Rising Partner Highlight

At Shakti, we delight in relationships that are long term and mutually beneficial. One such relationship is our partnership with transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project.

transcenDANCE works with youth from the City Heights neighborhood, a lower socio-economic community facing many challenges such as poverty, violence, and school drop-out. transcenDANCE offers community building and service through the performing arts. The work, process, and results are powerful.

One year ago, transcenDANCE realized a gap in programming when youth repeatedly came to them with a host of social, emotional, and family issues. Shakti Rising’s Education and Community Wellness program stepped in and facilitated the Transformation 101 class. Weekly classes created a safe support network for youth to identify roadblocks, set goals, create a healthy vision for themselves, and transform negative conditions into positive behaviors. The Transformation 101 course has become a critical piece of programming at transcenDANCE.

Shannon and key Shakti staff also support transcenDANCE's sustainability and growth through informal conversations, formal trainings, and resource sharing. Shakti has shared leadership development systems, conducted leadership training, and has provided coaching on everything from fundraising to board development. The Shakti Rising and transcenDANCE is a true community bridge in the non-profit sector.

For more information about transcenDANCE, visit their website at www.tdarts.org.

Oh how our garden grows!

At our successful Garden Fundraiser at Mosaic Wine Bar on May 18th, Lynn Owens became the lucky winner of one of Shakti’s signature tabletop tea gardens. Lynn, a Shakti donor and advocate, happened to come and collect her prize just as Susan Perkins was visiting Shakti Rising for the first time. After hearing Ms. Perkins (Perky for short!) lament over the tragedy of her “brown thumb,” Lynn insisted on sharing a sprig of her spearmint with Perky. And so, Perky’s garden was born*. Members of the mint family are extremely resilient and fast-producing, a perfect start for one who hasn’t much luck on past gardening endeavors.

When we say connection and community happen organically at Shakti Rising, we mean it. Lynn and Perky’s story is one of many. That’s the beauty of Shakti Rising, community grows when we live authentically and transparently, welcoming everyone to become part of our vision for women and child-friendly societies.

We invite each of you to tend to your metaphorical garden by taking part in the beautiful community that is Shakti. Cultivate your inner Leader by volunteering through Transformation through Service. Enroll in one of our upcoming summer classes. Feed our garden with a donation of any amount to ensure that Shakti deepens our roots as we continue to extend our reach throughout San Diego .

How is your garden fairing?

*Perky updated Shakti that her mint is alive and well!

Highlights from the 9th Annual Birdies and Butterflies Golf Tournament

On Friday June 5th Shakti Rising’s Education & Community Wellness program hosted the 9th annual Birdies and Butterflies Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Glen Oak Course.152 golfers participated in the sold out event which raised $93,576.22 for the Education program, the largest Shakti tournament to date! KUSI news anchor Joe Lizura served as the memorable MCEE at the dinner reception. Education staff created a moving film about the life changing courses offered at Shakti Rising and in the community. Stay tuned to see the film on our website and YouTube.

Thank you to the sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers, apprentices, and staff for your contributions to the event’s success.

A special thank you to our wonderful 2009 Golf Tournament Committee:

Trica Pare, Tournament Co-Chair
Dan White, Tournament Co-Chair
Greg Rodgers
Brandon Richie
Joe Lewis
Anthony Campagna
Kelly Duff
Josh Gelfand
Mike Neal
Evan Ross
Noah Voreades
Monique Graff
Kristi Brooks
Jordan Stanton, Shakti Liaison

Honorary Committee:
Jim Castle, President - Driver Commercial Group, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Michelle Loveall, Senior Vice President - First Regional Bank
Lawrence F. McMahon, First V.P. / Surety Manager - Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Jamie Prevost, President - Prevost Construction
Steve Thompson, CEO - Soltek Pacific Construction Company