The 1^st Annual Lotus Cultural Fest was a wonderful success!  I am so proud and deeply moved by the participation of volunteers and attendees at this event. Many people commented to me about the palpable energy of friendliness and community they felt while there. Was it the music, the chanting, the food, the happy, smiling faces? Certainly, it was a combination of all of these things. A reflection of the very reason we decided to do the event in the first place. We wanted to assist the Dong Hung monks in their transition to a new Temple, a second chance.

I would like to offer special thanks to the tireless group of volunteers that contributed to the success of the event that day.

Dieu Anh – food prep and service
Sharon Chachere – coffee/cocoa/cookies
Chi Hanh– food prep and service
Cynthia Hansen – check in table, raffle, greeter; cookie baker
Chuck Hansen – check in table, raffle, greeter
Justin Heggie – setup, breakdown, all around helper and support
Grace Kennedy – origami table instructor
Jack Kennedy – setup, breakdown, all around helper and support
Christian Manzella – Entertainment/Schedule Manager
Bonnie Osborn – Tai Chi performance; Table funds collectors
William Osborn– Tai Chi performance; Table funds collectors
Chuc Phap– food prep and service
Chuc Ngoc Thanh - food prep and service
Carol Svenconis-DeLuca – photographer/videographer
Alison Ray– coffee/cocoa/cookies table
Art Ray– coffee/cocoa/cookies table
Karla Siedschlag– mala bead making table; Chuc Hoi assistant
Shannon Smith – origami table assistant
Dieu Tanh –  food prep and service
Linh Truong- emcee
Dawn Walton – mala bead making table; silent auction sub

I would like to give a great BIG thanks to Patricia Tompkins and Karen Pennington who handled the two Silent Auctions – a very big responsibility, indeed.  Despite the fact, that this was our first effort, you both MADE it happen. WOW. You did a phenomenal job!

Our deep appreciation goes to Vaughn Deel of Suzy-Ray-Vaughn who not only performed, but set up our entire sound system for the event. You rock!! I would recommend Suzy-Ray-Vaughn not only for their amazing talent, but their professionalism as well. Those are some good folks.  We were also equally lucky to have Annie & Thom perform as well as Bryan Forrest.  Thanks for setting the tone and bringing in the day for us with your beautiful voice, Annie! Bryan Forrest rocked the house, keeping everyone in an upbeat and positive mood. Yours was the perfect blend of music for our event. Thanks, Bryan!

How lucky we were to have demonstrations by the Bending Tree Tai Chi Center and the Old Dominion University Aikido Club! You could feel the ancient, history and discipline of Aikido as they performed outdoors amongst the trees and soft, dappled light. They were truly a sight to see! I think everyone would agree that the Tai Chi performance moved through the audience like ripples of waves across a lake. Their movements and energy could be felt by everyone – simply a beautiful and moving performance.

And, last, but, not least thank you to Venerable monks, Thich Chuc Thanh, Thich Chuc Do, Thich Chuc Hoi, Su Co Nhu Bao and Su co Chuc Tri. You all kept me smiling during this entire process. The encouragement and hard work you put forth is just a small example of why you deserve a second chance at a new Temple and Education Center. The four of you are our inspiration and we will forever be grateful for your wisdom, kindness, and friendship.

Again, thank you for everyone’s warm encouragement and efforts. Mere words cannot express the appreciation the Temple has for you.

May the blessings of the Triple Gem always be with you!

A di da phat!
Kathy Manzella
Event Manager