We are raising money to help support our 3 branches in Berkeley, Bosie, and Santa Clara. We have taken a big hit financially due to the COVID19 pandemic.
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Dear Friends of Empty Gate Zen Center:
Thank you so much for all of your ongoing support. Whether you're a long-time member of Empty Gate Zen Center or a recent first-time visitor to our Zen Center, we value your contributions.
The current situation with the Coronavirus has made funding for our Zen Center more difficult. We rely on retreats for a portion of our revenue and those retreats have been moved online. There is great uncertainty as to whether we will be able to maintain our revenue with online retreats. As we move forward during this unusual time, we need to make sure our finances stay strong so that we can continue our offerings into the future.
This has been an interesting time, as being online has connected our practice locations in a way we were not connected before. Our Dharma talks and online practice offerings have brought people from all over the globe together. Even more, our members in Boise and at our sister Zen Center in Fairbanks, Alaska have connected in new ways that have helped make the Sangha stronger. Your contributions will allow us to continue these offerings.
Now that we have completed initial renovations of the Boise branch location, we are in the final stage of taking full ownership of the building. For the past few months, we have been on a lease to own contract and have taken over responsibility for running and maintaining the building. We are focusing current fundraising efforts on building up reserve funds for planned (and unplanned) maintenance work on our Zen Center locations. For example, we anticipate the next major expenses for our Berkeley center to be window frame repair and a new roof. The current roof was installed by our Sangha labor (with some professional help) 24 years ago and is close to the end of its life. And, at the Boise location, likely future projects include a plumbing modification, new windows, and landscaping. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for this campaign.
Please take a moment to consider a tax-deductible donation to support our ongoing activities and readiness for future projects.
Many thanks for your practice and your continued support of Empty Gate Zen Center.
Yours in the Dharma,
Zen Master Bon Soeng (Guiding Teacher)
Jason Quinn JDPSN (Vice-Abbot)
Marshall White (Head Dharma Teacher)
Steve Watkins (Director)
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