Koi, Coffee & Kindness Event

Last month's "Koi, Coffee, & Kindness" event was a great success! Thank you so much to all who came and contributed to the Holiday Drive! It was a beautiful day, with about 50 people in attendance, including Khenpo Karze and Montgomery County Council member Marilyn.

We began the event by warmly welcoming everyone and speaking about the importance of helping those in need this holiday season. Volunteers Dara and Anne then talked about what Buddhist Relief does and specifically about the Holiday Drive. Then Claire fed the fish for everyone to see them close up. A few even leaped out of the water! Many people were curious and asked questions about the koi and the creation of the pond. 

All throughout the event people enjoyed delicious pastries, fruit, and donated coffee from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as warm apple cider. A huge thanks to Noreen and Ani Palmo for preparing the food, Ani Ella for recruiting businesses to donate the coffee, and Noreen and Alika for making some homemade treats as well. And of course to the whole pond crew who has been working tirelessly to bring Jetsunma’s vision to life! 

Many of our beloved pond workers were in attendance and were introduced and thanked in front of everyone. They seemed so happy and honored to be there. Jacob also played beautiful hand pan music in the background and at one point Khenpo played it too, as well as the pond workers! It was so joyful! We also had a card-making station where people could make beautiful cards and write personal messages for the families receiving food assistance over the holidays. 

We raised over $2,500 for the Holiday Drive with more donations continuing to come in. If you didn’t get a chance to donate yet, you still can! We will continue to raise funds throughout the winter holidays. Donate at the link in the comments below.