JMU/Sri Lanka Benefit

From: Dr. Steve Keffer, Biology

JMU/Sri Lanka Benefit, Saturday, Nov 8, Saigon Cafe, 11:30-3:00 & 5:00-9:00.

In May 2008 twelve James Madison University students and faculty participated in a work-study tour with Saravodaya Shramadana in Sri Lanka. This fundraiser has grown out of their life-changing experiences in Sri Lanka and the generosity of Ty and Bich Truong who have volunteered their restaurant for this benefit. Fifty percent of all proceeds from the $14 per person, all-you-can-eat buffet will be donated to Sarvodaya. Vegetarian options will be available.

The Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement provides comprehensive development and peacemaking programs to villages throughout Sri Lanka. Founded in 1958 by A. T. Ariyaratne, it is based on Buddhist and Gandhian principles, including sarvodaya (awakening of all), swaraj (self-governance) and shramadana (gift of labor). Sarvodaya people and programs are active in over 15,000 (of
38,000) villages in Sri Lanka. The organization estimates that 11 million citizens are individual beneficiaries of one of their programs which include the countrys largest micro-credit organization, 4,335 pre-schools serving 98,000 children and a major welfare service organization serving orphaned and destitute children, underage mothers, elders and persons with disabilities.
For more information contact any of the following faculty: Dr Steve Keffer, Biology; Dr Sallie King, Philosophy and Religion; Dr Eric Cowen, Graduate Psychology; Dr Devi Bhuyan, IBAVI.