"Boulevard Zen" Premiere Helps Raise Funds to Support Women's Shelters Around the Country

Earlier this month we welcomed the world premiere of actor, writer, director and producer Rich Tola’s deeply nurtured work of passion, “BOULEVARD ZEN.” The feature, produced under Tola’s production company, Two Strike Hitter, garnered emotional viewer support after its initial unveiling last week. In conjunction with the film’s premiere was a spotlight on Tola’s nonprofit organization, The Boulevard Zen Foundation, Inc., in which he and his team raised more than $1,000 in donations for the spiritual-minded, humanitarian foundation.

An inspirational, life-affirming tale, ‘Boulevard Zen’ centers on the universal healing powers of yoga. The 5,000-year-old practice is given a modern-day spin by Zen’s leading character, Bobby D’Angelo, a grief stricken widower devastated by the loss of his soul mate and yoga teacher. Real estate attorney D’Angelo finds clarity and enlightenment as he travels the path of a yoga master, inspiring students along the way. This uniquely truthful depiction of personal issues positively affected by yoga extends far beyond the reach of the individuals themselves.

The Boulevard Zen Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to provide yoga instruction and education to battered women and children throughout the country. The organization was founded after Tola’s visit to a local women’s shelter where he was inspired by the facility’s rectory and retreat-like atmosphere. When he learned that the facility did not have adequate funds for yoga, Tola discovered a unique opportunity and put his business savvy into effect.

“I knew that yoga could help empower these women and children and help with the healing process,” stated Tola. “My hope is that ‘Boulevard Zen’ will educate and inspire the public about a worthy cause and the life-changing benefits of yoga. We are encouraged by the success of the film’s premiere and beyond thrilled at the generosity and compassion of everyone who donated to the Foundation.”

For more information about The Boulevard Zen Foundation, or to interview Rich Tola, please contact Eileen Koch at Eileen Koch & Company INC., 310.441.1000 or Eileen@eileenkoch.com.