Background Information

The Love (Yourself!) Project was established in February 2002, by Evana Maggiore, a Boston, MA, Professional Image Consultant and Feng Shui Practitioner, who had been searching for a more meaningful way to celebrate her 50th Birthday. Inspired by research indicating that individuals positively respond (mentally and physically) to improvements in their personal appearance and surroundings, Maggiore decided to focus on enhancing the lives of abused and underprivileged women.

A long time friend of Rosie’s Place, a Boston shelter and resource center for homeless and poor women, Maggiore, approached them with her theory that its “Guests” required more than the basics of shelter, food and clothing to survive their plight. Believing that health and well-being is affected by emotional and environmental stress, Maggiore offered to raise the funds to institute a holistic-based program that would provide activities “designed to pamper the mind, body and spirit.” By making the women “feel good,” she hoped to raise their self-esteem, which in turn, would empower them to rise above their current circumstances. Metaphysical teachings that one’s “feelings” create one’s reality reinforce Maggiore’s premise.

Maggiore invited her family, friends and clients to honor her 50th year by making a contribution to her cause. In less than 6 months, she raised almost $9000 from personal and corporate donations, and a birthday-themed fundraising event. All of this money, donated to Rosie’s Place’s Wellness Center, will support Maggiore’s goal of making underprivileged women feel privileged.

In addition having made the The Love Yourself (!) Fest (a holistic expo featuring a beauty and wellness related offerings, such as massage, aromatherapy, makeovers, glamour photos, personal coaching, energy balancing and expressive arts) a reality on February 11, 2002, these funds will support the establishment of regular Love Yourself (!) activities and events at Rosie’s Place. Scheduled so far, a Creative Visualization and collage-making workshop; a day of makeovers provided by local image consultants; an Enneagram personality type training seminar; a hypnotherapy-based smoking cessation; and a Nature walk. Needless to say, the reaction from both the Guests and staff at Rosie’s Place has been overwhelmingly positive! Staffers even reported an unprecedented ambience of peace and harmony at Rosie’s Place in the weeks following the Love Yourself (!) Fest. The Love Yourself! Fest has become an annual event at Rosie’s Place.

Maggiore's intent is to share her concept with others in the hope that they, too, might be inspired to establish a Love Yourself(!) Project in their own communities.

THE LOVE (YOURSELF!) FEST

At Rosie’s Place
February 11, 2002