We did it! Because of the generosity of our Sangha and friends, we exceeded our $500,000 Matching Gift Challenge by raising $389,530. Coupled with the $250,000 matching challenge gift from our anonymous donor, our Matching Gift Challenge fundraising totaled $639,530.

The success of our challenge brings Phase 1 of Lotus Blooming – our fundraising campaign for Planting Zen in Siskiyou Square – to a successful completion. As a result, we will be able to complete our Sodo (meditation and event hall), Workshop, Recycling/Trash enclosure, and portions of our Courtyard. We will also be able to pay down a portion of the debt we incurred to purchase Siskiyou Square, improving our financial position and saving on interest payments over time.

Since our groundbreaking ceremony in June 2013, our Sangha and friends of Dharma Rain have stepped up to our vision for Planting Zen with generosity – not just financially, but with time, sweat equity, enthusiasm, donated goods and services, and word-of mouth support.

Of course, raising money is simply a means to an end. Planting Zen is about Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – for all of us, and for future generations of way-seekers. Great gratitude and many bows!