by Lynn Hoberg

It took me several years to become a Khyentse Foundation monthly donor. By that time I had been to many of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s teachings and was quite familiar with the Foundation and the five projects.  But I didn’t make a donation.  I first met Cangioli Che at a dinner party during the Madhyamika teachings in San Francisco.  Over the course of the meal she gave me a brief outline of the Foundation’s history and projects, and their financial goals and achievements.  It was so impressive; I was so pleased and amazed that my teacher had such an incredible group of people carrying out his charitable wishes.

I remember that evening well and I talked to many other sangha members about it, emphasizing what a great organization it is and what an amazing job Cangioli and many others are doing.  But I still gave no money.  Now, I am financially secure but in a relatively low-income bracket, and I have to say that making a donation to KF almost did not occur to me.  I guess I figured that people who supported the foundation made more money. Years later, when I was sharing an apartment with Noa Jones in New York and discussing an upcoming KFCommuniqué, it finally dawned on me.  The matching program is made for people like me – people who want to participate but feel like they have little to offer. Whatever I give is doubled!  There can’t be a downside to that!

I wonder why it took me so long to become a matching funds donor, but I am now proud to say that I am.  Because I’m now a part of the KF team, I see that my small monthly contribution really is the backbone of the organization. When I see the KF presentation at teachings, I feel happy to know that I’m supporting Rinpoche’s vision.  And I know that my donations get us closer to the goal of 100% participation. This is clearly the easiest and most effective way for us to reach our KF goals and further Rinpoche’s charitable activities.