Just Gather Wellness ribbon cutting celebrates local leaders
On a mission to inspire positivity, gratitude and meaningful human connection, Just Gather Wellness, the nation’s first nonprofit dedicated to digital detox and nature-based wellness – celebrated their nature ribbon cutting on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach.
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Photos courtesy of Just Gather
(L-R) Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill, Just Gather Co-Founder Michelle Highberg and Just Gather Advisory Board Chair Sara Garske during the gratitude awards presentation
Twenty-four gratitude awards were presented to like-minded community leaders. Laguna Beach honorees included: Mark Orgill, Laguna Beach mayor; David Browning, president of Orange County Mountain Bike Authority; Uday, Pramila and Anand Gupta, Laguna Beach philanthropists; Kris Spitaleri, Just Gather advisory board member; Lyla Cauley, Just Gather youth ambassador; Melanie Falkowski, vision leader MSW student; Ranen Seeck, Gen Z ambassador; Mark Christy, philanthropist and business leader and Dr. Joan Malczewski, LBUSD school board member.
According to Advisory Board Chair Sara Garske, “We are honored to share nature as our office. It is a daily reminder to lead with humility and stay connected to the environment we steward.”
Fall plans include a continuation of free community events, device protocols for schools, empowerment play shops and a Teen Take Back Sovereignty Initiative in response to recent teen takeovers. Just Gather is partnering with OCMTBA to build scroll Zen Zones adjacent to skate park/pump tracks.
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Gratitude Award Winners Pramila Gupta, Yvonne Van and Saadayi Nazir
Beginning on October 17, Just Gather will offer new classes in Laguna Beach in collaboration with The Etiquette Factory and School of Gratitude Orange County, expanding opportunities for participants of all ages to build confidence, master emotions, strengthen interpersonal skills and connect. For those unable to attend, Earth, Our School of Gratitude (currently available on Amazon) shares the nonprofit’s six-week curriculum in DIY format. The team will be at the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market on September 12 and invites the community to come say hello, make a craft and learn more.
For more information about Just Gather Wellness, visit www.justgatherwellness.org, or contact co-founder Michelle at michelle@justgatherwellness.org, or call 949.813.7681.
