We were saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Weir on January 10th. Bobby, as his friends knew him, was a co-founder of the Grateful Dead and one of the most generous spirits in American music. For more than 60 years, he took to the road, bringing people together through the sheer power of showing up and playing.
Photo: Grateful Dead playing the first Seva fundraiser concert in Oakland, California in 1979.
In a recent tribute, SF Gate contributor Nicholas G. Meriwether wrote: “The Grateful Dead folk motif describes the obligation the living owe the dead, a belief found in cultures around the world. It tells us that when we honor that obligation, we will be repaid in ways we cannot anticipate or imagine. An ancient expression of faith, it urges us to embrace life as a continuum – one that includes those who have passed on and who rely on the living to steward their legacy.”
Over Valentine’s Day weekend, Seva supporters spread the love in the most memorable way possible – through music, fun, and festivities!
From February 11-14, we held our popular Sing Out For Seva Quarantine Concert – A Valentine’s Special, featuring never before seen archival footage from past benefit concerts. Viewers tuned in from all over the world and sang along to Crosby & Nash, Joan Baez & David Grisman, Jason Mraz, Los Lobos, Bob Weir & Steve Kimock, and many more star-studded performances. The one and only Wavy Gravy hosted the concert and also featured special guests Rising Appalachia, Elvin Bishop, and Dumpstaphunk.
Shamimu from Tanzania was almost blind from cataracts in both eyes and did her school work by resting her chin on the page so she could see. Her spirit as well as her school work suffered and she faced a grim future. After her surgery Shamimu could see again. Happily she returned to school with new confidence and brighter days ahead.
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Whether you’re a longtime Seva supporter or just recently joined our cause, we’re glad you’re part of the Seva family.
See how well you know Seva’s history and the people, places, and solutions that guide our work with this fun game of trivia. You may even learn a few new and surprising facts!
Springtime brings a sense of renewal, and after a year of uncertainty with COVID-19 looming over everyone’s fate, many parts of the world can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Here in the US, with the rollout of various vaccines, I am reminded that in many parts of the rest of the world, people are still struggling with COVID, access to care, and even more significant health challenges due to the various mutations. Scientists have moved mountains; yet we must ensure that the work to save lives continues. For Seva, the work continues with safety first, as we provide life-saving and essential eye care needs to some of the world’s most marginalized communities.