Naturopaths Without Borders (NWB) and Capoeira Brasil Tempe collaborated to organize “Night in Brazil”. The festivities were held January 12th at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. The evening was full of Brazilian flavor with green and yellow decorations draping the college representing the Brazilian flag, authentic Brazilian cuisine, traditional Brazilian music, live capoeira performances by members of Capoeira Brasil and a live auction. Guests participated by decorating and donning carnival masks and learning the basic steps in Capoeira by instructor Felix A. Almanzar A.K.A. Trovao of Capoeira Brasil.

The event was a joint fundraiser to benefit Naturopaths Without Borders, a non-profit organization founded at SCNM, and Capoeira Brasil. Naturopaths Without Borders was developed to overcome language, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers that currently exist between Latino/underserved communities and Naturopathic medical care through outreach and education. The goal of Naturopaths Without Borders is to make Naturopathic medical care more accessible to all cultural and socioeconomic groups and to educate underserved communities about the principles and modalities of Naturopathic medicine. At the same time, Naturopaths Without Borders would like to prepare Naturopathic students and physicians to provide medical services to these communities through foreign language and cultural training. More than $800 was raised to help fund future outreach abroad, including a trip to Mexico this summer.

Capoeira Brasil Tempe raised funds to support their 2nd Annual Batizado to take place on February 10, 2007. Batizado translates to "baptism" and is the name given to the festival where capoeira initiates are transformed into students. Apart from a right of passage for the new, it is also a time of graduation and celebration for others in the group. The Batizado is a celebration to welcome new students to the group and a time for old students to move to different levels if they are ready.

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves in Brazil. Capoeira was developed as a way to resist oppression, secretly practice art, transmit culture, and lift spirits. Participants form a circle and take turns playing instruments, singing, and sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play and extensive use of groundwork including sweeps and kicks.

“Night in Brazil” was a tremendous success, entertaining more than 100 guests and raising over $1,700 to support both organizations. For more information on Capoeira Brasil Tempe visit www.capoeirabrasiltempe.com.