"Lotus House offers a sanctuary - a place where the minds, bodies, and spirits of women and infants most in need are supported, nurtured, uplifted and afforded an opportunity to learn and grow on every level."

Recently, the Lotus House held their Fifth Annual Fundraiser, called "Hope Blossoms: An Art Happening."  In was an incredible event bringing together so many creative people for a great cause.  I was a dancer for one of the performance pieces, and gave it all I had for three hours straight!  It was held at the Margulies warehouse, a 45,000 s.f. warehouse space that houses an extensive collection of contemporary art including Warhol, Lichtenstein & Miro to name a few.

   

Look for a dancer with orange shorts :)

The Lotus House is a shelter for homeless women, but more than that it is a resource center where these women who have often been victims of abuse and illness can have access to all the tools they need to get back out into the world.  They provide a holistic health approach and also have a maternity wing for pregnant women and their newborn babies.

Located in Overtown, a historic African American district that suffers from extreme poverty, the Lotus House is an oasis.  Women that enter the program are provided housing for up to one year, three meals a day, clothing, group counseling, computer classes, job training, medical & mental health services and more.  Their classes include art, writing, yoga, dance, and parenting.

The event included visual arts, drumming musicians, performance art, sculpture, installation, poetry on demand and more.  I was part of a performance piece by artist Lee Walton where each dancer was given a different song on an iPod with headphones.  Upon entering the viewers were given cards with our picture on them, telling them what song we were listening to.  It was really fun to have a dance party of one in the middle of this massive event.  My song was “I’m so Excited.” Super high energy!

The theme of the night was HOPE and seeing so many people come together for such a worthy cause really did give me hope.

The Lotus House has recently opened a Thrift Store, so if you are in Miami, come and shop for a good cause! Or clean out your closet & donate some stuff! With  some of the donations coming from designers & the art world, there are some great treasures to be found there!!  203 NW 36^th Street

Friend the store on Facebook!

Or make a donation to an amazing cause!