Upcoming Events
Healing, Mindfulness and Compassion
A Retreat Uniting Western and Eastern Approaches to Healing
Ratna Ling Retreat Center, Cazadero California
October 15-17, 2010
Brochure (PDF)
Schedule (PDF)
Registration
Set amidst the coastal redwood groves of northern Sonoma County, this retreat will combine effective techniques from both Western medicine and the Tibetan tradition to develop a refined and holistic approach to healing. From the West comes Integrative Medicine as well as Balint Work, a technique based upon a psychodynamic approach that develops a more sensitive and trusting relationship between physicians and patients. From the East, calming and introspective Tibetan techniques will be incorporated to include meditation, visualization, and Kum Nye (Tibetan yoga).
Throughout the retreat, participants will focus on increasing the repertoire of skills health practitioners are able to offer their clients. The program will offer personal experience and reflection on how these approaches can be applied in a variety of practices, including medical, nursing, chiropractic or other healing arts. Those who are exploring these techniques from the patient’s perspective will also gain insights in how to become more active partners in their healing process.
A portion of the proceeds will support Tibetan Aid Project’s work to preserve, strengthen, and perpetuate Tibetan culture.
For more information please visit www.ratnaling.org.
Taste & Tribute San Francisco 2010
Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco
Friday, November 19, 2010
The tenth annual Taste & Tribute San Francisco benefit gala for the Tibetan Aid Project will grace the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Friday, November 19, 2010. Featuring twenty-three of the best Bay Area chefs, Taste & Tribute San Francisco gives 220 guests the rare opportunity to watch the tableside creation of a gourmet, four-course meal by culinary masters. Chefs work in pairs to create a unique dining experience for eleven different tables. Proceeds support the Tibetan Aid Project’s efforts to rebuild and protect the endangered spiritual heritage of Tibet. Tickets are $350 per person.
Chef Laurent Manrique was the inspiration for the first Taste & Tribute San Francisco in 2001 and has acted as coordinating chef ever since. Participating chefs at this year’s event include: Patrick Albert of Café de la Presse, Sean Baker of Gather, David Bazirgan of Chez Papa Resto, Martin Brock of Gary Danko, John Paul Carmona of Manresa, Bruno Chemel of Baume, Ben Cohn of Spruce, Preston Dishman of Viognier, Mark Dommen of One Market, Khai Duong of Ana Mandara, Dmitry Elperin of The Village Pub, Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake and Orson, Richard Gras of NAVIO, Bruce Hill of Bix/Picco, Gerald Hirigoyen of Piperade/Bocadillos, Joseph Humphrey of Murray Circle, Jennie Lorenzo of Fifth Floor in the Hotel Palomar, Consulting Chef Laurent Manrique, Jean-Pierre Moullé of Chez Panisse, Morgan Mueller of Jardiniére, Robert Petzold of Bocadillos, Mark Richardson of Seasons at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Liza Shaw of A16, and James Syhabout of Commis.
The event also features fine wines and a captivating live and silent auction. Founded in 1969, the Tibetan Aid Project helps Tibetans rebuild, preserve, and strengthen their cultural and spiritual heritage for the benefit of all humanity. Last year, Taste & Tribute netted nearly $150,000 for the ongoing text preservation project, which has led to the distribution of nearly three million traditional Tibetan texts to Tibetan refugees throughout Asia. These treasured texts are presented annually at the World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India, where over ten thousand Tibetans gather each year to offer prayers for peace and the well-being of all humanity.
Past Events
Claudio Naranjo Book Release 2010
Mangalam Center, Berkeley
On Saturday, June 19, 2010, Tibetan Aid Project and Dharma Publishing hosted a book launch for acclaimed author Dr. Claudio Naranjo. Dr. Naranjo talked about his latest book Healing Civilization and a previous book he authored called The Way of Silence and the Talking Cure. With roughly sixty people in attendance, Dr. Naranjo discussed male dominance or patriarchy as being the ‘root problem’ of civilization’s sickness across the globe. He went on to say that by introducing a more balanced approach to education and taking an interest in the happiness of the learners rather than strictly an intellectual system of learning, Dr. Naranjo believes we can cure the illness.
Dharma Publishing was pleased with the opening of their newly renovated bookstore, selling out of both of Dr. Naranjo’s books. The bookstore no longer has bars occupying the front facing windows and has several other additional improvements.
We were honored to meet so many new faces within this community who attended the book launch. Thanks to Philz Coffee for donating two wonderful brews of their signature coffees as well as The Cheeseboard for their generous donation of several different types of cheeses as well as fresh baked breads! And thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who helped with this event!
Taste & Tribute New York 2010
At the beautiful penthouse apartment of Alice Kandell
On May 5, 2010 Tibetan Aid Project held its annual benefit dinner in New York City. The event was hosted by renowned art collector Alice Kandell, who recently donated a portion of her collection to the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington DC. Ms. Kandell opened the doors of her lovely home to forty generous supporters, for an evening of delicious food, fine wine, an exciting live auction and a live performance by composer Jimmy Roberts.
Guests enjoyed a fabulous four course meal prepared by the talented chefs of New York based Saffron 59. The live auction gave attendees a chance to bid on everything from a romantic getaway in Tuscany to an 18th Century ritual box once used by a Tibetan master to transport sacred objects. Alice Kandell generously offered a last-minute item to our auction. Guests bid on the opportunity to have lunch with her, receive a signed copy of a book detailing her expansive collection, and tour her uniquely beautiful home, with its unparalleled collection of Tibetan art.
We are so grateful to Alice Kandell, fabulous entertainer Jimmy Roberts, Saffron 59 and all of our generous supporters who attended the event for making Taste & Tribute 2010 a huge success. We also thank all of our dedicated volunteers, without whom, none of this would have been possible. All of the funds raised at the event will go toward the printing, shipment and distribution of sacred texts at the World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India.
Thanks to Walter Arader, who attended the event, we already have a date and place chosen for next year. It will be held at Arader Galleries on May 5, 2011. We look forward to next year’s event being equally as joyful and successful.
Celebration & Thanks 2010
Mangalam Center, Berkeley
On February 21st, Tibetan Aid Project rang in the Tibetan New Year by inviting the major supporters of our Taste & Tribute dinner and members of the Wheel of Dharma Society to join us for a day of celebrating Tibetan culture.
Traditionally, Tibetans celebrate the new year, or Losar, with fifteen days of festivities. While our event lasted only two hours, we had the opportunity to share our beautiful new building with the guests, who even had a chance to glimpse our library of sacred texts. After the tour of the building, a lovely gourmet brunch was served and our executive director Rosalyn White, along with Lama Palzang, gave an inspiring presentation on the book distribution at the World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India. Zach Behar showed photos and spoke about filming the ceremony. Tibetan Aid Project thanks all of the people who came to the event for their ongoing support of our work.
Taste & Tribute San Francisco 2009
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
Friday, November 20th, 2009
SF Eater Online Review
Bunrab Online Review
Photographs
The Tibetan Aid Project celebrated its ninth annual Taste & Tribute San Francisco benefit dinner in the company of two hundred and twenty of our generous supporters. Guests enjoyed the rare opportunity of watching the tableside creation of a gourmet, four-course meal by twenty-three of the best Bay Area chefs. The dinner, the “Fund a Library” campaign, and the silent and live auctions raised $150,000 for the benefit of the Tibetan people. We would like to thank each and every person who helped make the event such a success!
Award-Winning Film Screening - Everest: A Climb For Peace
Berkley Ironworks Climbing Gym
Friday, October 30th
On his blog, filmmaker Lance Trumbull reflects upon his recent collaboration with Tibetan Aid Project, commenting “I felt honored to be screening my film to help such a wonderful and worthy non-profit in any small way that I could.” Trumbull graciously agreed to show his award-winning film, Everest: A Climb for Peace, and participate in a question and answer session, all in an effort to support the projects of TAP. Filmed in Nepal, Tibet, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, U.A.E, and the United States, the film follows the amazing journey of 9 'peace climbers' from different faiths and cultures as they climb to the summit of Mount Everest.
The film screened on October 30th to an audience of around 50 people, thanks to the generous donation of space by Berkeley Ironworks Climbing Gym. Everyone at the screening was treated to delicious pizza and beer courtesy of Zachary’s Pizza, La Val’s Pizza, the Cheese Board and Lhasa Beer! All proceeds benefited Tibetan Aid Project to help fund the shipment and distribution of sacred texts at the annual World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India. Thank you to everyone who came to the event!
Representing Tibetan Aid Project at Seva-thon
Baylands Park, Sunnyvale, CA
On October 4th, Tibetan Aid Project volunteers made the trip to Sunnyvale, joining other community members in Seva-thon, a walk-a-thon organized by the Indian Community Center. The walk-a-thon celebrated the hard work and dedication of local non-profits while also focusing on health and well-being in the community. Members of our staff manned the TAP information booth, enjoyed the music and entertainment, and even brought home the first and second place metals!
Not only were we able to raise awareness for Tibetan Aid Project and connect with other local non-profits, we were also able to raise over $1,000 in sponsorship! TAP thanks all those who supported us at the walk-a-thon, and especially the Indian Community Center for putting on such a fun community event.
Taste & Tribute New York 2009
Le Bernardin Restaurant, New York
On June 29, 2009, the Tibetan Aid Project celebrated its fourth annual Taste & Tribute New York benefit dinner at the renowned Le Bernardin restaurant in Manhattan. Guests enjoyed an amazing four course meal prepared by Alfredo Ayala, Gavin Kaysen, Laurent Manrique, and our generous host, Eric Ripert. Award-winning Michael Laiskonis crowned the dinner with dessert, but the sweetest part of the evening came with the live auction and “Fund A Library” campaign, which helped fund the production of at least 5,000 sacred texts in the Tibetan language. In total, the event raised over $50,000 for the benefit of the Tibetan people, and we would like to thank each and every person who helped make the event such a success!
Meditations on Tibet
World Affairs Council, San Francisco, CA
Meditations on Tibet, a photographic exhibit by Greg Hale, was featured at the World Affairs Council from March 4 – May 27, 2009. Taken on a trip through Tibet in 2004, these photographs shed light on a vanishing way of life while also evoking hope for the future of the Tibetan people. To behold the delicate and striking images of Tibet is to witness the history of its land, its people, and its traditions. One can observe the tranquil presence of thousands of years of spiritual energy, which resonates through the art, architecture, and landscapes of Tibet. Adorned with colorful flags, rugged peaks, and majestic temples, the countryside suggests a story of what Tibetans have endured, and how they have persevered.
This exhibit was held at the World Affairs Council at 312 Sutter Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA, open to the public and free of charge. It was co-sponsored by the Tibetan Aid Project and the World Affairs Council of Northern California.
Prints for Sale Certified copies of these beautiful photos are available for sale exclusively by order. Black and white or color photos are available with or without frame. A percentage of the profit will be donated to the Tibetan Aid Project.
Click here to look at the photos.
40th Anniversary Celebration 2009
Private Home, Berkeley, CA
On April 19th, an intimate group of long-time friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the Tibetan Aid Project’s 40th anniversary. We were also pleased to celebrate the second anniversary of the Wheel of Dharma society at this gathering.
The Wheel of Dharma society is made up of those who have included the Tibetan Aid Project in their estate plans, and TAP is incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of these extraordinarily generous individuals.
We were fortunate to have a beautiful, clear day for our celebration, and even more fortunate to enjoy the beautiful Berkeley hills home of our hosts, Olivia and Thacher Hurd. Guests appreciated the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, and enjoyed the company of friends, old and new. Guests also enjoyed a gourmet brunch of fine food and wine, along with Olivia’s inspiring presentation on her participation in this year’s World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, India. The event also featured a presentation by our Executive Director, Rosalyn White, on TAP’s current projects and upcoming events.
Thanks to all who attended and made this a successful event, with special thanks to those who continue to support TAP’s projects with contributions of time, money, or the use of a beautiful home. We look forward to sharing more events like this with our friends and supporters in the future!
