Thank You, Sky Ute Casino!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about YAY! For Recovery!!—an empowering, all-day storytelling and comedy workshop for people in recovery. This new program, presented by The YAY! Foundation, is designed to support emotional wellness through laughter, connection, and personal growth.

We created this page specifically for your team at Sky Ute Casino to offer a clear and heartfelt look at who we are, how this workshop works, and why we believe it can bring meaningful healing to those navigating recovery in your community. We’re excited to explore a potential partnership and the positive ripple effect this collaboration could create.

About Our Event!

YAY! For Recovery – A Wellness Retreat for the Recovery Community
📅 Saturday, August 9 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Durango, CO

Join us for YAY! For Recovery!!—a free, all-day wellness retreat designed to uplift, energize, and support individuals in recovery. This community-centered event blends mindfulness, sound healing, inspirational storytelling, and comedy in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. Through guided meditations, sound baths, and talks from experts in the fields of recovery, mental health, and holistic healing, participants will leave with practical tools, renewed energy, and a sense of connection.

Highlights include John Bruna, a former Buddhist monk and co-founder of the Mindful Life Program; Dr. Holly Duckworth, a psychotherapist integrating quantum healing in recovery; certified sound healer Linda Bonde; and Aidan Park, comedian and motivational speaker representing The YAY! Foundation. Offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, the retreat is completely free to attend—ensuring accessibility for all members of the community, regardless of financial status.

Description of Need
At this time, YAY! For Recovery!! is a fully volunteer-led initiative with no confirmed funding. All facilitators, speakers, and organizers are generously donating their time and talents to bring this healing experience to the recovery community. With your support, we can ensure this program continues to be free, accessible, and sustainable—while honoring the professionals and creatives who make it possible.

Four Corners Impact

Since December 2023, we’ve launched or partnered on programs with:

Community response has been so strong that we’ve opened a new Durango headquarters in addition to our Los Angeles flagship.

In 2025 alone, we have 10+ programs planned in the region, including:

  • A month-long empowerment and peer support program for disabled Native youth on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation

  • A yearlong creative recovery initiative for LA PLATA County for LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals, in collaboration with the Colorado Health Foundation

  • Our third annual World AIDS Day comedy workshop with Colorado Health Network

  • A return invitation to Fort Lewis College’s WELL PAC to work directly with students on mental health advocacy through humor

  • Five "YAY! for Comedy" weeklong recovery workshops in La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan Counties

Past Success Program Highlight: YAY! for Recovery

In Spring 2024, Sky Ute sponsored our YAY! for Recovery Comedy Event!! Thank you!! We also partnered with the American Legion and Young People in Recovery to produce YAY! for Recovery in Durango. The program was a sold-out success, featuring veterans, civilians, and those in recovery sharing their stories on stage through stand-up comedy.

The public showcase received standing ovations, and participants reported increased confidence, emotional release, and community connection.

📰 Read the local coverage about YAY! For Recovery in the Durango Herald:
https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/from-trauma-to-laughter-durango-nonprofit-brings-comedy-to-recovery/

📰 Read the local coverage in the Durango Herald:
https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/lgbtq-comedy-workshop-coming-to-durango/

Video Samples

Giggles and Glitter Video Reel, Fort Lewis College, December 2023

World Aids Day Workshop Reel, Fort Lewis College, December 2023

YAY! For Recovery , American Legion, March 2025, Video Reel with Testimonials

Participant Testimonials

“Helping organize this with Aidan and Ben was more than I expected — it was actually healing. The process of writing and performing helped me strip away noise and focus on my story. Creating a five-minute set pushed me to let go of stuff from my parents and really see what mattered to me. And in the end, it was funny. Watching others do the same was even more powerful. What better way to heal than to laugh?”
— Joel, Participant, American Legion

“I was coming out of a really dark time and almost didn’t show up for the workshop. But I’m so grateful I did. It was exactly what I needed. This kind of experience changes people — one at a time — and gives us something to take back out into the world. Something joyful. Something healing.”
— Ryan Williams, Commander, American Legion

“This whole experience changed my entire life. It didn’t just give me confidence in things I used to only dream about — it actually helped me achieve them. It lit something inside me. I’m addicted now to this kind of growth and self-expression.”
— Tray, Participant

“I’m a recovering alcoholic with almost six years of sobriety. Humor has always helped me get through, and this gave me a place to bring that humor into my story — raw, honest, and real. We got to laugh about some really hard stuff. That matters. It’s a big part of how I’ve come this far.”
— Aaron Schenk, Participant, YAY! for Recovery

“When I met Aidan Park in 2020, I was in a dark place. I was struggling with depression, anxiety, and the suicide of a close friend. I felt directionless. After a few open mics, I joined Aidan’s workshop — and it changed everything. He showed me how to use humor to process my story. I got a standing ovation the first time I went on stage. That moment was life-changing.”
— Nick Kynett, Participant