Rebecca Schisler threw a Good for You party to benefit Living Compassion.  She says, “Using the materials from the fundraising kit I obtained from Living Compassion, I decided to throw a party to raise money for the children in Africa. I called it the “Good for You” party…which included good food, good friends, good time (dancing!), and helping a good cause.  When I made the invitation, I actually listed why everything was good for you (red wine is good for the heart, healthy food is good for the body, chocolate is good for everything, having good friends has actually been proven to help you live longer!).  I invited over 70 of my friends, colleagues, family members…I did not limit it to those in Athens, but did an Evite (free!) to everyone I had a current email address!  The night of the party we collected over $500 and then I believe over $200 more from individuals who could not attend.  I had such a wonderful time planning and throwing the party and telling everyone about the work Living Compassion is doing in Africa and Assisi.”

Phil’s Living Memorial Celebration

Phil D’Anna, Living Compassion Board member, Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, and Zen “monk in the world” recently celebrated her 60th birthday with a Memorial celebration benefiting Living Compassion.  She invited people from all aspects of her life: family, friends, Sisters of Notre Dame, and Zen sangha, to celebrate not only her sixty years of life, but Life itself.  Her ceremony included elements of some of the religions and cultures she loves: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Sufism.  Phil hoped the ceremony would enable her guests to have an experience of compassion and unity through sharing, scripture readings from various religions, an introduction to Living Compassion by Cheri Huber with an audio visual presentation, music and song, culminating in a final group activity where all guests joined hands and participated in a circle dance of peace.

There was a photo collage of Phil’s life on display, with photos from her childhood up to the present.  People were invited to share their experiences of being with Phil, and a number of people got up and told stories, humorous, poignant and heart-opening, of times spent, experiences shared, lessons learned, and laughs enjoyed with Phil.

About eighty people participated in the birthday memorial and each participant was honored by having his or her name hung in red and gold on a beautiful Manzanita Gift Tree.  Phil asked her guests to bring a donation to Living Compassion in lieu of a birthday gift. Four thousand dollars was donated to Living Compassion in honor of Phil by those who attended the ceremony, and also by some who were unable to attend but wished to participate with a donation to Living Compassion.

The monks from Living Compassion’s retreat center prepared many delicious vegetarian dishes and presented them beautifully. Everyone had a good time, and the overflow of love and warmth was palpable. Phil is deeply grateful to all those who helped with, participated in and in any way contributed to making this event so joyful. Phil says, “It was a wonderful ceremony and I enjoyed it very much. I had such a good time celebrating with everyone and at the same time I am very excited that so much money was raised for Living Compassion’s work in the world.”

 

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