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Char Ravelo
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A Message from Char
It was Simply Inspirational!
I learned that saying thank you three times in a row amplifies the heartfelt message a thousand times more. So here goes- Mahalo! Mahalo! Mahalo! to everyone who participated in and supported Inspiration's 5th Annual Kaua'i Wellness Expo featuring Deepak Chopra on January 24-26, 2009. It was a phenomenal event! With over 100 businesses represented, 40 speakers, a Women's Health and Empowerment Workshop lead by 3 international instructors, a Kaua'i Premiere of Wayne Dyer's new movie - Ambition to Meaning, a mini expo with entertainment, a VIP Reception and almost 900 in the audience to see Deepak's lecture, we estimate almost 3000 attendees (including exhibitors, volunteers and staff) walked through the doors over the three days. An outstanding success for Kaua'i and the health and wellness industry!
Visitors from all over the world- Italy, Germany, Australia, South Africa to name a few, plus the mainland and outer islands traveled to Kaua'i to hear Deepak's message, check out the booths, take workshops and network with each other. Most importantly, I believe everyone learned something new at the Expo, which makes this an extremely rewarding event for me to put on.
Several high school teachers brought their students who are in the Health Academy and Peer Mediation Programs to the Expo and Deepak's presentation. The feedback was very positive from both teachers and students. Imagine the future possibilities for these young hearts and minds to see a thriving wellness industry, where everyone is working together for healthier individuals and communities.
Deepak's presentation was fabulous. He interacted with the audience, told great stories and took us on a journey that stretched our minds. The most common response from first time Deepak Chopra attendees was how impressed they were on his use of scientific data to support alternative healing. Yeah, well done! He opened the door for more people to consider a whole-istic approach to heath and healing. A man after my own heart! He was a pleasure to work with - kind, funny and down to earth. On our way to an early morning departure, he told me that he enjoyed his time on Kaua'i. Right on!
In hosting such an enormous event as this, you know there are always key people who love being behind-the-scenes, making sure the details are covered and things are done impeccably. For me, there are two very special individuals who have quietly mentored me since Inspiration's earliest issues - they are Barbara Curl and Francesco Garripoli. Their unwavering faith in what I do (and gentle nudgings through thick and thin) has nurtured my spiritual growth so I was able to hold the intention for this Expo with pure Aloha for everyone at every level of participation, and the results are proof of their incredible work. Much Aloha and hugs to you both.
Thank you's are not complete without acknowledging Cindie Jones, my best friend who gave me the inspiration for Inspiration, Fran Becker for being available each step of the way and Sally Desai for throwing an awesome VIP reception.
To our sponsors - Kaua'i Office of Economic Development, Hawai'i Tourist Authority, Kaua'i Health and Wellness Association, Forever Now, Kaua'i Osteopathic, Inc, East West Academy of Healing, Institute of Happy Science, Waddell and Reed, Alexander Day Spa and Salon, Dillberg Integrated HealthCare, Kahuna Valley, Kaua'i Aloha Foundation, Kaua'i Visitors Bureau, Kaua'i Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Health Guide.com, Holistic-Hawaii.com, Money Makers, Liv Sxinny, Healthy Specials, Clothing for Health, Princeville Center, MAX INT'L and the Kaua'i Museletter...
... to the awesome Inspiration staff - Sally Wilson, Richard Diamond, Ganshet Nandoskar, Stacey Salvador, Todd Johansen, Dexter Sear, Tammi Andersland, Pam Salibi, Paul Reynolds, David Armstrong, Kecia Joy, Mark Ravelo and Gary Wong.. and to the many volunteers who came out to bat for a grand slam at this Expo...
A very warm Mahalo and Aloha to each of you!
Here's Expo 09 line up:
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