BBEP: Helping Hands

Video montage of the exhibitions at the three sites put together by these helping hands. The video shows the smiling faces of visitors and friendly assistance from volunteers at the exhibitions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl1GrOdgVfo&feature=youtu.be. Video by Emily Chen, hosted on YouTube.

Poem by Nancy Cowardin

BBEP is winding down – Now comes the celebration!
Our efforts were a great success, like none across the nation.

Our fearless leader, Jue Wei Shi, the brains behind the vision,
whose dissertation paved the way and guided each decision;
With help from other Venerables: Man Ching/Miao Hsi combined;
A visit by the Abbot – front page news in Merit Times.

And me – the artist known as Nan – new painter of the dharma,
produced the triptych and a scroll, plus Sam and Baby Karma.

Chih-Cheng mapped out the whole event: planned the walls and doors and tent;
and there were very few omissions, thanks to Calvin’s white partitions!

While Mario took pictures, helped the “boss,” and even more
from cut-out figures, greeting cards, and music by the score;
Mei Chi on her computer launched a flurry of designs,
from banners and instructions, to bookmarks, cards and signs.

Peter was the architect who sketched the ancient way
Frank’s carriage animation amazes people yet today.
While Janice, our computer whiz, was handy, quick, and able,
to set up, log on, and hide wires behind each display table.

Ching, our docent leader, guided tours that were a “hit”
(I’m sure her tireless touring left the Bowers in a snit)
And Judy helped in every way while staying calm and cool,
from surveys via cell phone to the button making tool.
While Linda S. made sure we had a lot of things to sell -
her patience and precision were why we did $o $well!

Lydia made cake pops by the hundreds every week,
with the girls’ and Becky’s help, a treat for all to seek.
Not to forget our Audrey, an art helper so insightful,
who donned a Kuchan costume to make the show delightful!

And Emily videoed events to capture our progression;
her painted faces also served to leave a great impression.
And finally Alex in Beijing who hosted our website,
which brought the project to the world to everyone’s delight!

There were so many others – too numerous to count
But here’s a tribute to a few who can’t help but stand out:

Linda Louie’s Miao bags and tea did really well;
Falynn and Grace and Jessica – Boy, could those women SELL!

Musicians Erica and Joyce, with Andrea and Brandon,
Made waiting in the courtyard fun (though drum and flute were random.)
And I could not have missed ya – Patricia, my Soul Sista -
we sang our songs as best we could, but got overdubbed by Julie Goode!

Shigu produced a treasure trove of bracelets, cloths, and more,
While Serena’s magic garden yielded plants and pots galore!
Thanks to Janet for her help in sewing up the scroll;
And Dave for the donation box; and Tim, the handprint pole;
And all the crafty helpers who made hats and origami,
and painted plaster elephants and colored Karma’s mommy.

We won’t forget the South Bay, thanks to Venerable Cheh Ruey,
and all the other helpers who showed up on Vesak Day.

Our docent troupe par excellance included many whom we know
but if I start to name them now, I’ll omit a few and so…
A big THANK YOU to all of you who braved the noise and heat and tent
to tell the Silk Road history that led to our parade event!

PS:
Apologies to anyone whose name I did not mention -
you know, of course, offending you was never my intention -
Poor memory is no excuse for couldda, shouldda, wouldda,
Because, you see, I also failed to thank the Birthday Buddha!

Last edited on April 4, 2013