The Yoga and Art Community came together again with a cooperative effort to help the victims of Katrina, much in the same way as the fundraising efforts for the Tsunami victims earlier in the year. Temple Bhajan Band/Govinda's brought kirtan and free vegetarian cuisine to the following benefit programs, raising tens of thousands of dollars for those in need in Louisiana: Fumbling Towards Ecstacy, Yoga Works (Main, Larchmont and Westwood), Yoga Nook, Align Yoga, Yoga Bindu, Humanity at Peace, and scheduled to go to Insight Yoga, Liberation Yoga and Urban Yoga.

Below are some letters from organizers of the different events:

oh my oh my oh my OH MY!!!! what an evening... what a divine outpouring of love and light and all manner of goodnesses... i am beaming and swirling and glowing still... THANK YOU sura for the vast generosity of your spirit and for sharing that with us and our event... the food was over the top yummmmy and so perfect for the event kirtan was indescribably beautiful and always is - we were so blessed to have you and the temple bhajan band with us to usher the evening in... cannot tell you how much everyone enjoyed themselves because of what you put in there bellies and what you filled there ears and hearts and bodies with through kirtan... i feel so blessed to have connected with you and may our good work continue on and on... in gratitude metta sukha Fumbling Towards Ecstacy

Dear Sura, On behalf of the International Hospital for Children we would like to acknowledge the precious gift of your participation at the "Evening of Dance, Music and Performance" benefit at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday September 14th, 2005 The event was a wonderful success. We were overwhelmed by the show of generosity and support from our dance community. The funds that were raised and the abundance of supplies donated brought immediate tangible relief to so many in need. From the volunteers who organized the event, to the performers, to the food vendors, to all who attended the event with such spirit and heart, we extend our deepest gratitude - your participation and presence is what made such an extraordinary evening possible.

The International Hospital for Children

Dear Temple Bhajan Band Performing Group Members,

Congratulations on your success in performing at Soka University's 8th annual Int'l Festival! Our audience was impressed by your talented presentation, which had added such a beautiful cultural diversity to this community event. We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your generous contribution to the Int'l Festival this past Saturday at SUA campus.

This year, more than 10,000 people came to enjoy the festival doubling last years' number of 4800. Over 450 volunteer performers from forty groups participated in the festival performance representing variety of cultural and ethnic groups. The one-day festival curtain drew a close with a whooping success, which was impossible without each and everyone of your gracious support. Thank you very much indeed!

We wish you a wonderful summer and see you next year!

Sincerely,

Lisa Lu, M.A.