09/29/2024
Volunteers from the Inland Empire, alongside dedicated supporters from various chapters, came together in full force for today’s Tzu Chi Honorable Donors Appreciation Luncheon at Tzu Chi USA’s stunning headquarters in San Dimas.
The event was hosted outdoors, with attendees enjoying the warmth of a clear blue sky and a gentle autumn breeze. Guests gathered under Tzu Chi’s versatile multipurpose tents, the same ones used for impactful food distributions and medical outreaches. To kick off the day, Sister Laura Liu from the Inland Empire led everyone in relaxing stretches, energizing the crowd and setting a vibrant tone for the celebration.
Brother Albert Hsu (徐濟群), today’s event coordinator, welcomed everyone with a heartwarming tea ceremony, extending gratitude to all the donors and volunteers for their support and presence.
Tzu Chi CEO, Sister Debra Boudreaux, took the stage with heartfelt appreciation, thanking the donors for their unwavering generosity, including incredible support from Access Ingredients and brother Daniel. She passionately highlighted Tzu Chi’s Legacy of Giving program, showcasing how contributions are fueling vital food banks, community distributions, medical missions, and disaster relief efforts. As part of her touching speech, she unveiled several generations of Tzu Chi’s iconic “bamboo banks,” including one more than 20 years old, brimming with coins that have helped power these incredible initiatives.
Sister Cyndi Huang, the very first donor to commit to Tzu Chi’s Legacy of Giving program, shared her inspiring journey of planned giving, moving hearts with her story of selfless dedication.
In a heartfelt moment, Tracy Moorhouse and her son Chris honored the legacy of her father, Daniel Hickey, with emotional tributes. Sister Boudreaux then presented them with a thank-you plaque in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and continued support.
Adding to the uplifting spirit, Gloria Bautista and Carmen Ruvalcaba from Wilmington shared how they began their journey with Tzu Chi, starting with food banks and distributions. Their creativity shone as they unveiled handcrafted turtles, made with love to help raise funds for the upcoming 10/12 and 10/13 charity concerts, with the hope of touching even more lives through their efforts.
Attendees then enjoyed a delectable vegetarian luncheon, lovingly prepared and served by a dedicated team of volunteers. As the afternoon unfolded, guests were serenaded by the enchanting melodies of Sister Hsu (許蕙紅), making the day even more memorable.
It was truly a magnificent day, filled with heartfelt moments, boundless gratitude, and a shared spirit of giving!
今天在聖迪瑪斯美國慈濟總會舉行戶外的實業家/榮董聯誼餐會，與會者享受著晴朗的藍天和和煦的秋風的溫暖。
瑜珈老師甘佩玉師姊帶領大家進行了輕鬆的伸展運動，為大家帶來了活力，為慶祝活動奠定了充滿活力的基調。
活動一開始以溫馨的奉茶歡迎大家，感恩所有捐款者和志工們的的貢獻與支持。
慈濟美國總會執行長曾慈慧師姊上台致以衷心感謝，感恩捐助者堅定不移的慷慨捐助，包括Access Ingredients和丹尼爾兄弟的大力支持。她熱情地強調了慈濟的捐贈遺產計劃，展示了捐款如何推動重要的食物銀行、社區分發、醫療任務和救災工作。作為感人演講的一部分，她揭開了慈濟幾代標誌性的「竹筒」的面紗，其中一個已有20多年的歷史，裡面裝滿了硬幣，為這些令人難以置信的舉動提供了動力。
第一位參與慈濟「捐贈傳承」計畫的應似蓉師姊，分享了她有計畫的捐贈歷程，用無私奉獻的故事感動人心。
在一個真誠的時刻，崔西·穆爾豪斯和她的兒子克里斯向她父親丹尼爾·希基的遺產致以深切的敬意。執行長隨後向他們頒發了感謝牌，以表彰他們的非凡貢獻和持續的支持。
來自威爾明頓的格洛麗亞·鮑蒂斯塔和卡門·魯瓦爾卡巴分享了他們如何開始與慈濟的旅程，從食物銀行和分發開始，更增添了振奮人心的精神。他們發揮創意，推出用愛心手工製作的海龜，為即將舉行的10/12和10/13慈善音樂會籌集資金，希望透過自己的努力感動更多的生命。
隨後，與會者享用了由志工團隊精心準備和服務的美味素食午餐，在許惠紅師姊古箏演奏中，更增添了幾分人文，讓這一天份外難忘！
這確實是美好的一天，充滿了衷心的時刻、無限的感激之情和共同的奉獻精神！
Tzu Chi Inland Empire Tzu Chi USA Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Tim Chang
