Wat San Fran has been a center of Buddhism in San Francisco for over 15 years. During this time, the temple has helped many people in the community. Everyone experiences moments when he or she needs help or guidance and Buddhists turn to the temple for support. We have taken so much of our teachers’ time and energy and feel immense gratitude and appreciation toward them. Accordingly, we want to give back and help the temple in its time of need. The temple recently purchased a women’s center, and the cost of renovating the structure is quite significant. If we could, we would gladly pay the entire cost of the repair ourselves. Alas, this is not even close to possible.

On a foggy Sunday, dedicated students of Wat San Fran gathered at the temple with other concerned members. We brainstormed ideas on how to raise funds to help pay the temple’s expenses. We recognized that we do not collectively have enough money to give, but we do have love and gratitude in abundance. In addition, all of us have particular skills that we have mastered throughout our lives. Some of us are professionally trained masseuses and masseurs; others are retired restaurant owners, accountants, photographers, teachers, yoga instructors, musicians, and much more. We realized that instead of money, we could donate our labor, time, and abilities to the temple. But we can’t do it alone; we need your help.