Yoga Gives Back Gala: Celebrating Donna De Lory, Belinda Carlisle, And Kayoko Mitsumatsu For Their Impact On Women, Children, And Animal Welfare

There are two activities I don’t practice myself but love to cover—Yoga and Surfing—simply because they’re wonderfully drama-free. Last Sunday’s Yoga Gives Back Annual Global Gala at Wolfsglen in Los Angeles perfectly captured this spirit.

On November 10th, 2024, supporters from around the world gathered for an inspiring evening as part of YGB’s #OneMillionYogis campaign, showcasing the collective power of the global yoga community to make a real difference.

This year’s Gala was a spectacular success, with over 3,000 women and children in India benefiting from the funds raised for essential education, scholarships, micro-loans, and life-changing opportunities. The evening was filled with heartwarming moments that left us all feeling inspired and grateful.

One of the highlights was Donna De Lory graciously accepting the prestigious “Namaste Award” on behalf of Belinda Carlisle, co-founder of Animal People Alliance, and treating us to a mesmerizing live music performance. We also honored our dedicated “Ambassador for the Year” and enjoyed a lively lineup of activities, including a thrilling live auction, games, and a raffle.

Moroccan reporter Simo Benbachir with Madonna’s longtime dancer and backup singer Donna De Lory, and Yoga Gives Back founder Kayoko Mitsumatsu – IMAGE: KAORI SUZUKI

The atmosphere was electric with vibrant Indian cultural performances, live music, moving speeches, and a powerful video presentation that truly showcased the impact of our collective efforts. Even those who couldn’t attend in person were able to participate in the online silent auction, showing their support for the cause from all corners of the globe.

It was a magical and drama-free evening that served as a powerful reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we unite for a common goal. Let’s continue to make a difference and change lives together! I also had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Devon Blaine from The Blaine Group, whose presence added an extra layer of warmth and professionalism to the evening.

Devon and her team have been incredibly supportive in amplifying YGB’s message, making sure its mission reaches an even wider audience. Her insights and encouragement throughout the Gala were invaluable, and it was inspiring to connect with someone so dedicated to using their expertise for a meaningful cause.

One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Kayoko Mitsumatsu, the Founder and President of Yoga Gives Back (YGB), a non-profit organization she established in 2007. As a dedicated yoga practitioner based in Los Angeles, Kayoko launched YGB with a twofold mission: to unite the global yoga community in gratitude and to empower women and children in India to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Now in its 17th year, YGB supports more than 3,000 underserved mothers and children through micro-loans and educational scholarships. The organization’s impactful message, “For the cost of one yoga class, you can change a life,” has spread through cities across the U.S. and 30 countries worldwide.

Before moving to the U.S. in 1992, Kayoko was a producer and director for NHK, Japan’s National Public Broadcaster, specializing in primetime current affairs and documentary programming. She also served as a cultural attaché at the Japanese Embassy in London.

Her deep-rooted passion for documentary filmmaking is shaped by her global experiences living in Australia, Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S. Today, she channels this passion into YGB FILMS, which she creates to share the personal stories of YGB’s beneficiaries with the global yoga community. For over 30 years in Los Angeles, Kayoko continued producing feature documentaries for NHK.

Yoga Gives Back Team – IMAGE: KAORI SUZUKI

Since 2016, however, she has dedicated herself full-time to YGB as Executive Director. In her own words, “The first half of my life was about learning; the second is about serving others. I am dedicating my life to Yoga Gives Back to empower underserved women and children in India. Yoga has given me peace and faith, and I know millions share this gratitude. Together, as #OneMillionYogis, we can make an incredible impact.”

And, of course, the one who I grew up watching dancing and singing with Madonna when I was a teenager in Fez, Morocco—the one and only Donna De Lory! Donna is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer known for her dynamic fusion of pop, world music, electronica, and devotional mantras.

She gained fame as a backup singer and dancer for Madonna on iconic tours like Blonde Ambition and Confessions, as well as in the documentary Truth or Dare. Beyond her pop contributions, De Lory has topped the Billboard Dance Chart and lent her voice to albums by renowned artists, including Bette Midler, Leonard Cohen, and Selena.

Her solo career has taken a deeply spiritual turn, resonating with wellness and yoga communities through albums such as The Lover and the Beloved and Sanctuary. Her latest release, Sing to the Light, reflects her journey of healing and inner peace, offering a rich tapestry of soulful vocals, ambient textures, and global rhythms.

At the Gala, Donna De Lory accepted the 2024 YGB Namaste Award on behalf of Belinda Carlisle, co-founder of Animal People Alliance. The YGB Namaste Award is a tribute to visionaries who inspire the global yoga community and beyond with their vision and who have committed themselves to humanitarian causes.

We are proud to honor Belinda Carlisle for her advocacy for animal welfare and human rights, particularly through the work of Animal People Alliance. This organization provides high-quality, compassionate care to neglected street animals in India and Thailand while also offering employment opportunities to vulnerable people, paying living wages that help improve their standard of living.

Lastly, I’m excited to share that Donna De Lory, who has had such an inspiring career, is someone I plan to interview soon about her journey and music. It will be an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into her artistic vision and her spiritual connection to the world of yoga and wellness.

Donna De Lory accepts the “Namaste Award” for Belinda Carlisle from Yoga Gives Back founder Kayoko Mitsumatsu – IMAGE: KAORI SUZUKI

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