Luncheon

Service in Action – FUNdraiser for Venezuela [with Photos]

By Gaby Grigorescu
Photos by Doren Sorell

Article-Service-in-Action-1200x600.jpg

I am very happy to share with you about a beautiful activity that took place on Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m., and that arose from an idea that Skyler Patton had through the Heartfelt Foundation to raise funds for Venezuela. So it was that Vanessa Zoghbi and I joined together with Skyler to make this event since we are both Venezuelan. The idea was to collect funds for Hogar Bambi, SenosAyuda, San Francisco de Asís Animal Shelter and San Juan de Dios Hospital, all Venezuelan non-profit organizations that suffer the consequences of a financial crisis where there is a shortage of food, medicines, personal hygiene products, among others.

The idea was to have a Venezuelan afternoon at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens along with the support and presence of Ros Cachitos, Mathy’s Shop, Helping Children in Venezuela, De Provincia, DJ Victor X, 3 For Rent, David Whitaker’s Pottery, Splash the Ink, Moccian, and Golden Studio. All are Venezuelan talents who wanted to join this beautiful cause.

We started the activity with a meditation in the labyrinth where we asked for peace for Venezuela, then our guests enjoyed live music by Venezuelan musicians, food, and desserts from my country, and we finished the event with the raffle of incredible prizes. The energy that was present was a mix of joy, solidarity, spontaneity, brotherhood, service, love, and peace. In particular, it was incredible to be able to see a group of people united by the same cause and know that we are all one.

I also want to thank the volunteers who supported us that afternoon with our activity. Without you, it would not have been possible to hold the event. Infinite thanks to Elizabeth Baralt, Galia Corie, Alexander Gonzalez, Omar Gutiérrez, Héctor Ojeda, Nélida Chávez, Lizet González, Ned O’Neill, David Jaramillo, Angela Parkes, Vanessa Zoghbi and Skyler Patton, you were our little angels that afternoon. I also want to thank Susan Valaskovic, Paul Kaye, Mark Lurie, Vincent Dupont, for the support they gave us to fundraise for Venezuela.

We set the goal of raising $2,500, but thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Venezuelan and MSIA community we managed to reach $7,721! Thanks to this, the organizations will receive more resources. Thank you again! I feel happy and blessed to have exceeded the goal thanks to the generosity of so many people.

Hopefully, we can organize more events like this where we can support those who are in need. It is nice to be able to serve and support other communities. Thanks to our beloved John Morton for his unconditional Love, and Light.

God bless us all and fill us with blessings!

Photos by Doren Sorell



Gaby Grigorescu
Photos by Doren Sorell

Heaven on Earth May Be in Your Backyard

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, is a country of contradictions. Dichotomies of gracious smiles quiver on a balance with steel grit. Gleaming towers scratch the sky. Shadows may fall; still ancient temples maintain their dignity. 

In Nagoya, taxis buzz like bees collecting honey. Business people scurry from trains to buses. Yet, smack dab in the center of the city is Atsuta Shrine. Bow, step through the winged torii gates and Nagoya noise disappears. A serene hush embraces the sacred grounds.

Atsuta Shrine is a spiritual oasis in the city. It’s one in countless shrines across Japan which offers refuge from the world. Or should I say refocus visitors on their spirits? (Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is another example. The shrine resides right next to Harajuku train station – aka the gateway into the mecca for the fashionista.)

Many of the magical entry points into nature and spirit in Japan are surrounded by eateries. Entrance into Nagoya’s Atsuta Shrine is free.  However, a meal at the renowned eel restaurant, Atsuta Horaiken will cost you a pretty yen. (But well worth the visit according to satisfied Yelp subscribers.)

A trip to Japan – for most of us – demands saving dollars. Good news: While you are plunking pennies into your piggy bank, you can still enjoy a spiritual oasis in the City of Angels.
111 Places in Los Angeles That You Must Not Miss states that Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is the perfect place to “Find Your Self.” Indeed, the tiered garden and the labyrinth offer opportunities to bask in the tranquility which is ever present. If you like Asian accented gardens, you’ll love the bamboo and Japanese koi goldfish pond.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, there is an added bonus. A Heaven on Earth Summer Concert & Luncheon will take place at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Doors open at 12 noon. A summer feast will delight the eyes and stomach at 1 pm. Tours of the gorgeous gardens and historic home are available. Docents can offer tips for walking the Chartres Cathedral inspired labyrinth, too.

Delicious music will also dance through the halls of the mansion. Award-winning composer and keyboardist, Merrill Collins will play the piano. She’s a voting member of the Grammy Foundation whose works have been hailed as “Gifts of Service to the World.” Adding her heavenly talents to the concert is acclaimed violinist, Nicole Bush.  Nicole has played with prestigious orchestras such as the LA Philharmonic and is heard on Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand recordings.

Are you in LA on June 27th? Claim your Heaven on Earth with a visit to Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. See the link below or click here.

http://www.peacelabyrinth.org/events/summerluncheon2018  

Wishing you heavenly experiences wherever Life may take you.