Mother’s Day Celebration Formal Dinner at Fo Guang Shan

In order to celebrate Mother’s Day and support the upcoming ANZBYC in July, BLIA especially organised a “Mum I love you” formal dinner on the evening of 11th May. This event was attended by Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA North Island president Dolly Tsai, BLIA advisor Peter Young, BLIA South Island chairperson Si Xian Lee, and 100 members of Fo Guang Shan.

Not only did this special dinner celebrate mother’s day, but all proceeds from ticket sale will go to support ANZBYC. There were also auctions during the night which included calligraphy works donated by the Chinese artist Duo Kuan Lee and many other pieces of art. All earnings from which will go into the fund to support the repair of South Island Fo Guang Shan temple. Duo Kuan Lee and his friends were special guests of the night, which was a lovely surprise. Previously, his calligraphy works were exhibited at Fo Guang Shan, which included the transcription of the “Diamond Sutra” and Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching”. Hailing from 40 years of experience with calligraphy, his wonderful works expressed elegance, carefreeness, subtle steadiness and strength. As mentioned before, during the night’s auction, his works were the most eagerly bided after. Duo Kuan Lee is also head the Chinese customs office for the city of Nang Jing.

Dolly thanked everyone for their attendance and expressed that everyone’s sincere contributions within their hearts all held unlimited values. Then leading by action, president Dolly personally started a heated bidding session.

Abbess Manshin also thanked the VIPs and Fo Guang people for their attendance and support. Funds raised have brought immense encouragement to Fo Guang youth’s activities, and not to mention taking a lot of financial pressure off rebuilding of the South Island temple. The Abbess wished all mothers in the world are able to receive Buddha’s blessings and protection.

Members of YAD got upon stage to give perform Fo Guang Shan songs along with hand gestures, thus receiving much applause. Chairpersons of the two YAD groups also spoke words of gratitude toward all the magnificent mothers present. Gifts of Carnations were then given out to show appreciation for all the mothers. All other sub-chapters also performed spectacular shows for the mothers, thus completing another year’s mother’s day at 8:00pm.