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Wine-Tasting Parties Raise Funds and Lungta

Awakening the Senses / Supporting Surmang

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Wine-tasting parties are happening in select cities across North America as a way to celebrate the Sakyong's successful marathon in Napa Valley on March 2nd.

In Boulder, we had an intimate gathering of 20 people at the home of Bill and Brigitta Karelis on marathon day. Guided in wine tasting as a "practice" by Suter Debose, we slowly made our way through a case of fine wines from Napa and beyond, donated for the occasion through the efforts of sangha member Eric Henn and his uncle Bob Henn. It was a festival of the senses--sniffing, swishing, and sipping! Hosts elsewhere have described the event as "very delightful" (Atlanta), "a fun community event" (Minneapolis) and "a really great time" (Boston).

In his call to the Boulder wine-tasting party, the Sakyong described the bucolic nature of the marathon route, winding through the vineyard-covered hillsides, as "Narnia-like." The Sakyong's long-time trainer Tara (Misty) Cech underscored the "primal sense of beauty and romance in the Napa Valley in the spring." Wine-tasting parties are a way to evoke the flavor and romance of Napa as well as to celebrate the Sakyong's efforts on behalf of Konchok Foundation. Thanks to all who attended the wine-tasting parties and gave generously! There are two parties are still ahead, including Chicago on March 22nd and New York on March 30. Now, more than ever, is a time to turn our thoughts to Tibet and continue our support of the dharma there.

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Minneapolis had their party on March 15, hosted by Jim and Diane Lestor.

"A good time was had by all!"

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Chicago wine tasting party, March 22 at the home of Sally Piepmeier

Sally Piepmeier describes the Chicago wine-tasting as
follows: "It was a very sweet event, thanks to the
delightful sangha members who gathered here. A small
group of hearty folks came despite the weather (6 to 9
inches of heavy wet snow), dressed in 'Chicago
elegance - snow mode.' The snow was still
descending when the wines were uncorked.

"What resulted was a truly warm and fun event, just
the right size to snuggle in the fireplace area of the
living room and enjoy Micheal Duerr's expert tour of
some truly interesting California wines. In fact, by
the time the last wine was sampled, only a rind of
cheese and two pillows of dark chocolate were left!

"I do hope more donations will pour in for this
deserving cause and that the events in Tibet will
resolve well, providing an excuse for a new round of
strong support for Konchok--within our sanghas, and
perhaps even among our wider groups of friends and
neighbors. Please always continue to think of Chicago
as new ideas arise. We're always game for new
explorations and happy to share whatever resources we
have!"

Fundraising Events:

Konchok Art Auction

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