Rebuilding Lives In The North:
~ Hundreds of Hearts that Beat as One with One Hope ~

During the month of August, the spirit of goodness rediscovered its place rooted in many hearts. It was a month where people from all creeds, colors and backgrounds came together as ‘one’ because they believed in ‘one’ cause: the importance of uplifting the lives of those who are painstakingly struggling to rebuild their lives in surroundings conducive for positive change, free from fear and tension in post-war Northern, Sri Lanka.

To see crowds gathering at Gateway Sheraton in Los Angeles and in Bay Area; thousands and thousands of miles away from our home land far across the seas in the United States; not only gave us new hope, but it also left us with the understanding that patriotism, unity and that very basic human instinct to love and care about one’s native land and fellow citizens had never been lost in between the physical distance of the two countries.

Muthiah Muralidaran, being the unmatchable cricket legend and humanitarian he is, dedicated his time and energy to grace the special events organized in both Los Angeles and San Francisco with his presence to endorse this noble cause that raised funds for the upcoming Learning and Empowerment Institute in Mankulam, Sri Lanka.

On the 13th of August, five hundred and fifty (550) individuals belonging to Tamil, Sinhalese and American origins gathered at the Gateway Sheraton in Los Angeles in attestation that they are indeed with Sri Lankans in heart and soul. Muralidaran being the Guest of Honor was accompanied by special guests; cricketing legends Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya who wholeheartedly pledged their invaluable time and effort to support the Foundation of Goodness’ fundraiser. The charity gala commenced with a silent auction of various items such as diamond rings, sarees, sunglasses and autographed cricket memorabilia. The night progressed with dinner, dancing and with opportunities to take photographs with the cricket legends; Murali, Sanath and Aravinda, not to forget the heartwarming presentation by Kushil Gunasekera, Founder/ Chief Trustee of Foundation of Goodness who laid out FOG’s master plan for North backed up by evidence of success in the South.

Kushil’s compelling story on post-tsunami relief work, uplifting livelihoods and the initiative to introduce a creative sustainability model in Seenigama by way of an experimentary BPO that will provide livelihood support to thousands of families and the spicy “Gourmet Goodness” project that is currently underway, promoting good health by way of a range of revolutionary spice products that bring a sustainable income to FOG’s operations, not only laid a foundation of confidence in willing donors, but also, sparkled hope and anticipation for positive change and many good things to follow for the betterment of the needy.

Marking the height of magnitude of the commonly shared sentiments to support our brothers and sisters in the North, the immensely generous spontaneous gesture by part of Mohan Chandramohan, a renowned entrepreneur who donated $70,000 to meet the expense of 700 bicycles to deserving families in the North clearly did stand out as a divine intervention that supports FOG’s long term vision to contribute one thousand (1000) bicycles to families in the North. “What a highlight it was. This itself, was worth the initiative that empower families that are trying to rebuild their lives speedily”, says Kushil delighted by the compassion that he has witnessed during his visit to Los Angeles. Rejoicing in this moment of pure love and humanity, Murali openly made a public announcement about the donation. Likeminded generosity and compassion in the form of donations came flowing like a river running downstream that made the event a huge success in goodwill gesture for those in need.

During the visit to the USA, the Foundation of Goodness’ USA branch was also established, marking yet another milestone in our journey that serves humanity. The FOG-USA branch was also approved the 501 (C) (3) tax exemption status that now allow contributors from the USA to be exempted from Tax for the generous contributions they extend towards FOG.

The next fundraising event took place on the 21st August in San Francisco under the patronage of Suri and Rushika Suriyakumar who benevolently hosted the event at their private property at their own expense as their generous donation towards FOG’s cause. The event was filled with interactive activities for both kids and adults that included face painting, henna and make-up, food stalls, watering hole, a magic show and a silent auction.

The highlight of the event was participants being given the chance to face Murali in action while he bowled the infamous Doosra’s. Three individuals came forward to face up to the challenge investing $5000 each to face Murali on four deliveries that came along with a price tag of $1250 per ball in aid of the Foundation of Goodness North Learning and Empowerment Institute. Kushil asserts that, “Overall the events came with great productive outcomes especially, to showcase and raise awareness of our journey to the North. And Murali’s presence indeed made a huge difference in the concluding success.” It is also interesting to note that Murali was bowling in San Francisco for the first time in his career of having bowled within the United States for perhaps more than twice.

It goes without saying that such success would not have been possible without the extraordinary leadership and commitment from organizing committee members. Our sincere gratitude and thanks rest with Mohan & Geetha Chandramohan, who spearheaded the LA committee with immaculate support of Dr. Naj & Gwen Nagendran, Neil & Sondra Kumaraperu, Upul & Barbara Dharmadasa, Raja & Kamini Edirisuriya, Sanjiv & Manil Gunasekera, Tissa & Sheila Atapattu, Dr. Walter & Aeshea Jayasinghe, and Roshan & Ruwanmali Jayasinghe.  Likewise, under the guidance of Suri and Rushika Suriyakumar, the San Francisco committee members Sharmini and Anura de Alwis, Kanchana and Rosie Ginigalgodage, Jeewika Ranaweera, Shan Nanthakumar, Priyan Pathirana and Ranjan de Costa worked effortlessly towards making the fundraisers a success.

The fund-raising continued in every sphere and aspect with many donors coming forward to show their support by way of generous funding, donations, pledges and commitment to contribute towards both short and long term engagements with the foundation as per their expertise and willingness to volunteer.

A special golf tournament was also organized by Nick Perera, Jonathan Mather and Naresh Munasinghe in aid of the Foundation of Goodness that turned out to be another victory on fundraising. Special mention has to be made of Dr. Naj Nagendran along with his family who has been a father-figure that has always been leading figure behind many of FOG’s initiatives. The magnanimous support extended by this wonderful family on our work in the South since the tsunami and the pledges to contribute immaculately for the development of North Learning and Empowerment Institute truly acts as one of our strengths.

The warm hospitability of Suri and Rushika Suriyakumar that took great care of Muralidaran and FOG representatives, as well as Mohan & Geetha Chandramohan’s special dinner hosted at the prestigious Jonathan Club in LA for approximately 250 executive invitees in appreciation of their hard work, truly did leave us with the feeling that we are not alone in this noble endeavor to uplift a deserving community in our mother land.

“We are hopeful that the platform we laid will pave the way to rebuilding the North, like it did in developing the one and only holistic, rural community aid model in the South in post-tsunami Sri Lanka. It is our dream that the success in the South become replicated in the North in post-conflict Sri Lanka” says Kushil while resting his heartfelt gratitude for all those involved and contributed towards this great cause, acknowledging that, “it is support and encouragement of this sort that drives his innate passion to serve those in need”.

When one commits him or herself to serve humanity with the purest of intensions and limitless compassion; clinging on to that one ray of hope of wanting to add a smile and strength in to another’s life by ameliorating their living conditions; the positivity and universal energy work in mysterious ways to manifest the good intensions in establishing material reality. Such is FOG’s success so far, both in the South and in the North. More information on our journey to the North so far can be ascertained by clicking here.

12.09.2011

 “The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others are because of you”

- Anonymous -