BLIA Washington D.C. Hosts Vegetarian Fundraiser, Promoting Plant-Based Living and the Warmth of Humanistic Buddhism
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
[Reported by Gong Hongchang, Washington, D.C., USA] On January 18, 2026, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) of Washington D.C. Chapter participated in the Greater Washington Jiangsu Lunar New Year Carnival, hosted by the Jiangsu Association of Washington, D.C. at Cabin John Middle School. BLIA Washington Chapter set up a vegetarian food fundraiser booth, using the occasion to introduce its ongoing activities and to share Master Hsing Yun’s Spring Festival couplets with the public.
During the event, BLIA members enthusiastically introduced the features and benefits of vegetarian cuisine, drawing many visitors to stop and sample the food. Members of BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) of Washington D.C. carried trays of vegetarian dishes throughout the venue, inviting attendees to try them. Their warm and proactive engagement not only helped promote plant-based living but also left participants with a positive and lasting impression of BLIA.
The fundraiser featured eight varieties of freshly prepared vegetarian dishes, all handmade by BLIA members. The first item to sell out was the popular thousand-layer cake made by board member Yu Hui-Chang. To ensure freshness, she spent the previous evening carefully preparing the labor-intensive dessert, then woke early the next morning to make spring rolls. She attended the event together with fellow practitioners and her two children, who have both joined the Young Adult Division of Washington D.C. Yu shared that being able to connect with the public through the fundraiser and introduce BLIA’s mission brought her deep joy and fulfillment.
Zheng Weidong, a BLIA-YAD member from Michigan, participated in the Washington Chapter’s group practice and fundraiser for the first time. He said that inviting people to sample vegetarian food and explaining its benefits provided a valuable opportunity to practice engaging with the public, making the experience especially enjoyable.
Ms. Hsiao Yen-Ju, originally from Taiwan and currently working in Washington, D.C. on a company assignment, attended BLIA event for the first time. She expressed herself being deeply moved by the volunteers’ enthusiasm and dedication, as well as by the delicious vegetarian dishes. Inspired, she actively introduced BLIA and its values to visitors throughout the event.
Many attendees expressed fond memories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun upon receiving his Spring Festival couplets, while others proactively requested information about BLIA’s activities. The event concluded successfully in a warm, joyful, and harmonious atmosphere.
