Annual Tibetan Elders Picnic 2013
July 12 -14, Berne, New York.
VajraTV is pleased to announce that once again we are co-organizing a free weekend picnic for the elderly Tibetans living in New York area with our co-organizer Tongyi Nyingje Ling- Center for Wisdom and Compassion. A number of Tibetan elderly living in New York with their families spend most of their time in their homes because of lack of Tibetan monasteries or community centers where they would usually meet when they were in Tibet, Nepal or India. We want to give back something to the wonderful generation that worked so hard in keeping the Tibetan spirit alive.
We beieve the picnic is a wonderful idea for them to relax, contemplate and have fun. Since we’re taking them to the stunning land of Tongnyi Nyingje Ling, which boasts a stunning 350 acres expanse of forests and meadows, and commanding views of the southern Catskills and the surrounding state forest and small farms, we believe they will feel once again connected to the nature and enjoy their time there.
We are extremely grateful to Tongnyi Nyingje Ling for offering us the land with retreat houses without any cost for the picnic. The picnic program includes: Singing, Tibetan traditional group-dancing (Gorshey), Tibetan board game (Sho), a lot of Tibetan butter tea, story-telling and a stand up comedy show. However, we still need to raise funds for the bus rental, food and a support car rental; Please contribute to this project and help make it happen, we will post updates and send you pictures from the picnic.
After last years success, the elder participants have doubled this year (we are taking about 24 elders this time). More the merrier, so are the expenses.
The entire support team (including the chefs!) are volunteers. We take 3 days off from work and hop on the bus with the elders. The elders travel comfortably in 2 mini buses driven by volunteer commercial drivers, the busses are followed by support cars. The support team includes chefs with kitchen helpers, designated drivers, minders, a standup comedian, a musician and some people who just hang around.
The venue is free aswell, it comes bundled with the blessings of Sogyal Rinpoche and the support of the lovely lovely staffs of Tongyi Nyingje Ling.
So why do you need the funds?
Good question. It does look like everything is free right? Well, we still need to pay for the following:
2 mini buses X 3 days rental
Gas and Toll taxes for all vehicles
Food and supplies
Support vehicles
miscellaneous expenses like first aid kit etc.
Last year the total expense was $2000 (click here for full report; does not include miscellaneous expenses). This year we have doubled and the estimated budget is $4000, every dollar counts. So help us out, please:
Okay, let me chip in!
We have a video for you:
Do it yourself (DIY). You can and totally should organize an elders picnic in your area, it'll be great fun (countless good karma!). The intention should be pure and clear. The only thing we want to share is that please understand and remember that you are not 'doing a favor' to the elders, you're returning. It is Dharma, moral obligation and a fun project. Be humble, respectable and compassionate to the elders, they deserve it.
Good Luck!
The big shiny board prominently displays our supporters who have already contributed.
Law Offices of Tenzin Wangyal Diki Daycare Center Lama Accounting Inc. Sonam Tenzin Amdo Sonam G Sherpa Kalsang Wangmo Tenzin Tekan Joanne Baltad Tsering Yangchen (Tseyang) Tashi Gyalpo Yak Restaurant Francesco Malatesta Tenzin Dechen Lhasa Fast Food Tsering Phuntsok (Pele) Dhondup Dorjee Tsewang Tendol Tenzin Wangdu Paling Phurbu T Namgyal Tenzin Choedar Gyalpo Bhu Sonam Topgyal Tenzin Gyaltsen Mingmar Gyaltsen Pema Chungta Karku Dolma Namgyal Wangchuk Ngudup Phuntsok Tenzin Choedar Gyalpo Emchi Kalsang Dolma Leki Dorjee Yangchen Palden la Dorjee Dolma Amdo Shawo Acha Norzin Tsamchoe Tsamchoe la's friend Dolma Tsering Wangten Tsomo Ama Youdon Gyurmey Dorjee Gen Wangyal Kuncho Gyaltsen Kalsang Lama Lhadon Tethong Tibet Mobile Tsering Dolma Jigme Dadul Sonam Zoksang Sonam Dolma Anthony McKiernan Kalsang Phuntsok KP