A community Health & Wellness Initiative.
Proceeds benefit the construction of a community African Cultural Center for Rochester.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – June 22, 2009- The Baobab Cultural Center is pleased to commemorate its 5-year anniversary by launching an annual community wellness walkathon—Walk, Brunch N Vibe for Afro-ARTitude—on Sunday July 12, 2009 from 9AM–1PM at Ellison Park, Spruce Lodge. This grassroots initiative focuses on raising awareness on simple solutions for healthy living and wellness and is open to the general public.

In addition to the 5K walkathon, wellness activities, to include “gospel” Pilates and open-air yoga, will be featured at 9:30 AM for those who love movement to enjoy in the calm park setting. This year’s Yoga session will be led by Jim Thompson, physical therapist and yoga teacher at Open Sky.

A Tropical Brunch will be served at 10:30 AM featuring Afro-Caribbean festive culinary delights. The menu will feature specialty fresh tropical fruit juices, delicious bean soups, and fruit-based dishes composed by the Chef at Natural Oasis Market & Wellness Center, specialized in Vegetarian and Ethiopian Cuisine. A variety of natural food caterers will also be featured.

The proceeds from this event will benefit the Eco-dome Building Project for the new Baobab Cultural Center. The Baobab is a not-for-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural dialogue through featured speaker events, films and art exhibitions. The center also offers programs on Africa for youth. Details on the Eco-dome building project, volunteer training and the kick-off of the construction schedule will be unveiled at 11 AM, as the featured awareness initiative for the 2009 Walk, Brunch N Vibe for Afro-ARTitude walkathon.

This event promises to be a great family event open to the public for all to enjoy and support a great cause. The cost per adult is $25 and $10 for children to cover food, walk and t-shirts. Teams of SIX or more, pre-registered by July 6th, receive t-shirts at events. Please RSVP by July 6th and join us for this inaugural healthy Sunday morning wellness escapade.

About the Eco-dome Building Project: The Eco-dome will house the new Baobab Cultural Center and on-going educational and cultural community events. The Earth dome technique was developed by Iranian-born architect Nader Khalili of Cal Earth Institute, Hesperia, California, to demonstrate a simple and economical solution to real estate development for philanthropic purposes. These green structures are built with cement or lime stucco stabilized earth and consists of a large central dome, surrounded by four smaller niches and a wind-scoop, in a clover leaf pattern. The success of the project relies directly upon community involvement and support. Dr. Moka Lantum, founder of the Baobab Cultural Center, remarks, “We want people to learn about affordable earthen architecture and participate together in building the center's new facility”. Construction of the Eco-dome tentatively scheduled for August 2009.

For further info please contact baobab.center@yahoo.com tel. no 585-563-2145.