BIG SUR, Calif., March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Esalen Institute today announced plans to commemorate its Lodge Renovation and Campus Renewal project with a groundbreaking event this weekend. To honor the most significant renovation in Esalen's 52-year history, the community will gather on Saturday, March 14 at the Esalen Lodge for a day of activities, culminating in a ceremony at 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by Esalen CEO, Tricia McEntee, and President, Gordon Wheeler, the event will include remarks by Esalen Co-founder, Michael Murphy, with son, Mac, and nephew, John; blessings of the sacred land by spiritual leaders of the Four Winds Council; and recognition of donors for their generous contributions to realizing Esalen's vision for the project. Notably, Chip Conley, renowned author and hospitality industry entrepreneur and leader, has granted the first $1M gift in Esalen history.

What:  Groundbreaking Ceremony
Esalen Lodge Renovation & Campus Renewal

When:  Saturday, March 14, 2015
3- 4 p.m.

Where: Esalen Lodge
55000 Highway One, Big Sur, Calif.

Media RSVPs:  Jill Gisselerre, 831-250-1022 X249

The Esalen Lodge Renovation and Campus Renewal project will enhance educational programs and environmental stewardship of Esalen's sacred land on the Big Sur Coast.  As a nonprofit organization, Esalen relies on donations to support large initiatives and has embarked upon a Special Gifts Campaign, with an initial goal to raise $5M in funds through 2017.  To learn more about how to support Esalen Campus Renewal, see here.

About Esalen
Esalen is a leading center for exploring and realizing human potential through experience, education and research. The community works toward the realization of a more humane and all-embracing world, seeking answers to questions unlikely to be explored by traditional universities and religions. Esalen sponsors pioneering initiatives and offers personal, spiritual and social transformation practices for residents, interns and workshop participants.

Perched on a windswept rocky promontory on California's scenic Big Sur Coast, Esalen opened its doors over 50 years ago as a center for positive, personal change, and for the 750,000 people who have been through its gates since 1962, nothing has ever been quite the same.

SOURCE Esalen Institute