By James D. Davis
The Dalai Lama’s South Florida stay yielded a $135,000 surplus, part of which will go to hurricane relief in Florida, according to the nonprofit Buddhist organization that hosted him here.
Osel Dorje Nyingpo, the organization, took in $1.042 million and spent $907,000 during the three days of meetings it produced in Broward and Miami-Dade for the Tibetan leader, ODN president Dana Schwartz reported.
She said the Dalai Lama has asked the $135,000 to be divided equally three ways:
First will be hurricane relief efforts in Florida. ODN is still researching which groups to donate to, Schwartz said.
The Central Tibetan Administration in India, which benefits Tibetan refugees.
Five monastery projects in India, Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim.
The proceeds came mostly from ticket sales to the two events: a public address Sunday at the Office Depot Center in Sunrise, and religious workshops Monday and Tuesday at the Convocation Center at the University of Miami.
Another $236,000 came from direct donations, from 500 individuals and companies. Fifteen thousand dollars came from vendor fees, for the 26 organizations selling at the gatherings, Schwartz said.
James D. Davis can be reached at jdavis@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4730.
