FAQs
Jump to section: Yoga Reaches Out | Donations and fundraising | Event day | Benefit classes
Yoga Reaches Out
What is Yoga Reaches Out?
This annual day of practice and celebration brings together yoga practitioners to raise funds to bring lifesaving answers to kids fighting devastating illnesses at Boston Children's Hospital. Your support fuels breakthrough research, family support programs, and vital services to help patients heal and thrive. Our next Yoga Reaches Out will take place in person on April 28, 2024, from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, at WIN Waste Field House in Foxborough.
Learn more »
Who can participate?
Yoga Reaches Out is open to all, ages 18 and up. Practitioners of all levels of experience and yoga styles are welcome. Sessions will be designed for all levels.
How do I register?
Register as an individual, join a team or start your own team of any size. Please note that each team member still must raise the $300-per-participant minimum.
Register here »
Do I need to pre-register?
Yes! We expect the day to sell out. Registration will not be available at the event. Please note, registration closes on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at noon.
Why is there a registration fee?
The $25 registration fee helps us cover the cost of hosting the event and ensures all funds raised can go directly to helping patients and families at the hospital.
If you need to cancel, contact us at yoga@chtrust.org or 617-919-6843 by March 28, 2024. Please note that registration fees are nonrefundable.
What is the day like?
Yoga Reaches Out consists of two main yoga sessions. The first practice is taught by New England-based yoga instructors and the second session is led by a nationally recognized headliner. In between sessions, participants can grab a snack, shop our marketplace vendors, visit our photo area, and more. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and rest at any time.
What COVID-19 protocols will be in place?
Boston Children's Hospital will adhere to all protocols put forth by the state of Massachusetts, the CDC, and the venue at the time of the event. All participants will receive up-to-date information on protocols just prior to the event. If you have questions, please contact us at yoga@chtrust.org.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
Boston Children's strongly recommends all eligible individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will not be required.
What if I'm a nursing/pumping parent?
We'll have a designated lactation space, courtesy of our friends at Reliable Maternity. We do advise you to bring your own pump and your own cooler as refrigeration is not guaranteed.
Donations and fundraising
How do donations help kids?
Many families come to Boston Children's when they've been told elsewhere that there is no hope for their seriously ill child. Every donation goes to the hospital's Every Child Fund and fuels breakthrough research, family support programs, and vital services not covered by insurance. With your help, sick kids and their families (many of whom leave homes and jobs behind to travel to Boston) receive lifesaving care and support when they need it most.
Learn more about your impact »
How much will I need to raise?
Each participant—including each member of a team—pays a $25 registration fee and is required to raise at least $300, either by donating some or all of the $300 themselves or raising it from others, like friends and family. If the $300 is not reached by May 16, the participant's credit card will be charged the remaining amount due.
How can friends, family, and colleagues donate to my Yoga Reaches Out efforts?
Your supporters can donate by:
- Giving online by credit card on your personal fundraising page.
- Making a check out to Boston Children's Hospital. Please have your donor write your name and “Yoga Reaches Out” on the memo line so we can ensure the donation is posted to your fundraising page.
- Giving you cash. Write a personal check or exchange cash for a bank check and mail it to us — please do not mail cash. Please write your donor's information on the envelope so we can add them to your fundraising page.
How should I send my check donations to Boston Children's?
Encourage your supporters to donate online through your personal fundraising page. If the donor prefers to write a check, make checks payable to Boston Children's Hospital and mail them to the address below along with this form.
Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
Attn: Gift Services/Yoga Reaches Out
401 Park Drive, Suite 602
Boston, MA 02215
Boston Children's Hospital's Tax ID number: 04-2774441
Please include a note clearly identifying the Yoga Reaches Out participant that the donation should be credited to. Allow 7-10 business days for the check donation to be reflected on your personal fundraising page.
Will donors who give by check appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our gift processing team will add donations received in the mail to your personal fundraising page. Offline donations may take 7-10 business days to be reflected on your page.
Do you send acknowledgement letters for contributions?
Yes. Boston Children's Hospital acknowledges all gifts of $250 or more and sends receipts for these gifts per IRS guidelines. All online gifts will receive an automatic receipt.
I don't want to fundraise. Can I still attend Yoga Reaches Out?
Yes, you can register and make an outright donation of $300 via credit card or check to fulfill the fundraising minimum.
Do I still need to raise the minimum if I join a team?
Yes, each individual pays a $25 registration fee and is required to raise the fundraising minimum of $300.
What if I don't reach the fundraising minimum?
Each participant needs to meet the fundraising minimum by May 16, 2024. If you do not raise $300 by that date, your credit card will be charged the remaining balance.
How do I learn more about matching gifts?
Many companies offer matching gifts for their employees who give to nonprofits like Boston Children's Hospital. Increase the impact of your donation by applying for your company to match your gift now.
View our matching gift guide »
Will my employer's matching gift count toward my fundraising?
Your matching gift will not count toward your fundraising until it is received and booked by Gift Services at Boston Children's Hospital Trust. Please note: It can take months for employers to process and send us matching gifts. We will charge your credit card the balance owed of $300 on the fundraising deadline, even if an expected matching gift has not arrived.
Can I create a Facebook Fundraiser for Yoga Reaches Out?
Unfortunately, no. Because of technical changes that Meta (Facebook's owner) has made to Facebook Fundraisers and payment processing, Facebook Fundraisers are no longer compatible with our fundraising systems. Any funds raised through a Facebook Fundraiser will not count toward your fundraising efforts.
What is a Fundraising Center?
When you register for Yoga Reaches Out, you'll get access to a Fundraising Center with several tools to help you meet (and exceed!) your fundraising goal and track your progress. You can customize a fundraising page, access helpful resources, send emails to donors and more.
How do I access my Fundraising Center?
Your Fundraising Center is automatically created when you register for Yoga Reaches Out. You'll receive an email with the link to access your Fundraising Center and your login credentials. You can always access the Fundraising Center by visiting the Yoga Reaches Out homepage and clicking "Log in".
Event day
What should I wear to Yoga Reaches Out?
Any comfortable, non-restrictive clothes appropriate for practicing indoors—we suggest dressing in layers. Most people practice in bare feet. You may also want to bring a small towel or blanket.
What else should I bring?
Because more than 1,000 participants will be coming together, please refrain from bringing anything that will take up a lot of space around your mat (coolers, large bags, etc.). Water bottles, snacks, and smaller items are fine to bring, but please refrain from eating during practice. Please do not bring anything of value since there is not a secure place to leave it.
Should I bring my own mat?
Yes. Mats will not be available to rent or buy on-site.
Will hands-on assists be offered at Yoga Reaches Out?
No, hands-on assists will not be offered at Yoga Reaches Out.
When should I arrive?
We recommend you arrive when doors open at 7:30 am to enjoy music and get settled before the first yoga session begins at 8:30 am. If you need to come a bit later, volunteers will be there to check you in and show you to your assigned mat placement.
What do I do with my shoes, cell phone and other belongings?
Please keep belongings with you at all times. We encourage you to bring a small amount of cash to use at our marketplace (some vendors will take credit cards or electronic payment). Please understand that we are not responsible for your valuables. Please silence your cellphone during the event. Taking pictures, using social media, and sharing your experience with others is encouraged but please be mindful that we’re striving for a meditative environment.
Is it ok to wear perfume/cologne?
Please refrain from wearing strong scents. Many people are sensitive or allergic to various scents and fragrances.
Can I eat or drink during Yoga Reaches Out?
Feel free to bring snacks and water. Snacks and beverages will also be available for purchase at the event. Please refrain from eating on your mat during active practice.
Can I take pictures at Yoga Reaches Out?
Yes! Please refrain from taking photos of people you do not know unless it is a large group shot. We encourage you to share the day on your social media! Remember to tag us @yogareachesout and use the hashtag #yogareachesout.
Will there be parking?
Yes. Free parking will be available around the WIN Waste Field House.
View entrance and parking map »
What is the marketplace? What types of vendors will be there?
Vendors from all over New England attend Yoga Reaches Out each year to showcase yoga- and wellness-related merchandise, programs and services. Participants are welcome to browse the marketplace at any time during Yoga Reaches Out (we suggest before the event kicks off or during the break).
Please email us if your company is interested in being part of the Yoga Reaches Out marketplace »
Benefit classes
How do I learn more about hosting a benefit class?
Donation-based yoga classes are a perfect way to bring your community together and raise money for Yoga Reaches Out.
Learn more here »
