Florian Villa Mission - A Haven for Wounded Warriors and Families of Fallen Firefighters

Our next fundraiser, April 3, 2010 - Learn more


The Business

In 2007, Boston Fire Captain, Scott Wahlen and yoga teacher, Deborah Bernstein bought a four bedroom villa with a huge private pool and ocean views on the unspoiled US Virgin Island of St. John. At the villa, they run a year-round business, offering villa rentals, yoga vacations, adventure vacations and customized weddings.

The Causes

During their first year owning the villa, Deborah and Scott donated five weeks at the villa to Families of Fallen Firefighters and wounded/disabled Soldiers and Marines. Specifically, they raised the funds to host SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA – part of the Wounded Warriors Project) for a week. Pictures in the slide show to the right. All expenses were covered for the week to allow five wounded Soldiers and one wounded Marine who recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan to gain their open water certification.

Widows and families of fallen firefighters have also been the recipients of donated time at the villa either by attending yoga retreats or using the villa as a haven to spend time with their family.

How you can help

Sponsoring the 2008/2009 St. John trips for veterans and families of fallen firefighters has been paid for by Deborah and Scott, other individual donors (especially members of the Boston Fire Department), and a grant from the Weber Foundation of Helping Hands. More funds are needed to support this second year of donated time at the villa and to maintain it into the future.

This is how you can help:
  • Take your next vacation at Florian Villa or spread the word to others who might be interested– Purchase Yoga in America here.

  • Purchase a Yoga Patriot T-Shirt or Tote Bag Great for gifts in men's and women's styles. Purchase Yoga Patriots here.
  • Donate to Florian’s Cause – 100% of your contribution supports families of fallen firefighters and wounded troops who visit the villa. We are in the process of becoming a 501c3 Charitable Organization, but while we await our federal tax exemption status, please continue to help. 100% of your donation will go DIRECTLY to trips for Wounded Warriors and Families of Fallen Firefighters.
    Mail checks to Florian's Cause c/o S. Wahlen, 8 Battery Street #12, Boston, MA 02109

Thank you for your support. Learn more about Florian Villa awards and press coverage.

100% of proceeds from Yoga Patriot products and Florian Yoga Gift Shop support wounded troops and families of fallen firefighters

Yoga Patriot T-shirts and tote bags



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