If you’ve got a special occasion coming up and feel like you’ve got enough stuff, consider a Facebook fundraiser for Seva. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, it’s the perfect way to celebrate while making a meaningful impact.
Glasses have been part of Carole Blank’s life since she was a kid. So imagine her delight, make that astonishment, when a cataract surgery gave her 20/20 vision in one eye.
Yep, and a popular fundraiser for Seva returns in person!
It was raining in Portland, OR, but the Balaji Temple was aglow with partygoers wearing traditional Indian colors: saffron yellows, scarlets, and magentas. Onstage was Indian-American singing group Soor Aur Saptak (SAS) holding its 12th annual concert benefiting Seva.
Seva supporters Sharon Hansen (left) and Terrie Velasquez (right)
To know Terrie Velasquez is to know goodness
In the early 70s, a series of experiences – from reading Ram Dass’s “Be Here Now,” to being a fan of The Grateful Dead, to learning about Wavy Gravy – led Terrie Velasquez to Seva. She’s a firm believer in giving back to communities, and for her, the stars aligned with Seva.
“I knew that Seva worked in many countries, and I knew Seva held many of my own personal values. SEVA = selfless service.”
Kimm Parker wanted to create a lasting imprint in the lives of others – and she knew she could do that through Seva and restoring sight.
After receiving her graduate degree in social work, this Southern California native spent her career in community work, clinics, and eventually her own practice. “I like the idea that if you give $50, someone in Nepal who needs eye surgery can get it. This direct exchange was like magic to me,” she shared.
“Like many folks, I first learned about Seva back in the late 80s through Ram Dass. I was looking for a service organization whose work expressed my understanding of the Buddhist concept of Right Action. I appreciated the variety of projects and range of people that Seva benefited. I found the gift-giving of donations a wonderful way to spread its work among my family and friends, especially as several struggled with vision problems themselves, and I knew they would relate to the difference it was making in many people’s lives! Since my partner died a few months ago, leaving no will, it has been very challenging to settle her affairs, so I knew that I had to stop procrastinating on updating my own. FreeWill.com has guided me through doing this in a way that is easy, comprehensive and reassuring!”
Our Seva family continues to grow by the day, reaching every corner of the world. We recently heard from one inspiring supporter, Pat Haley, about his connection to our mission and why he chooses to support Seva – we had to share his uplifting message with you!
Pat has a remarkable career helping children living with special needs as a teacher, school administrator, project director, and grant writer. A few years ago, things changed. His vision began to deteriorate, and he required cataract surgery to restore his sight.
“We instantly felt the synergy between our brand and Seva and reached out to them to build a partnership to achieve a common goal,” explains Shagun Sharma, the founder of Naytra.
Shagun, Founder of Naytra Couture
What’s in a name? In the case of Naytra Couture, it turns out, a lot!