October 5, 2025 – I Run, You Support Education: Miami Association Turns Donations into Educational Hope.

On October 5, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Miami Chapter, upholding the Humanistic Buddhism spirit of “nurturing talent through education and benefiting society through compassion,” donated a check for $1,600 to the local Challenger Elementary School. This contribution was made in support of the “VegRun – I Run, You Support Education” charity initiative, which promotes the idea of combining running with educational assistance—encouraging members to strengthen body and mind while caring for underprivileged students and bringing positive energy to education.

From June to August, all BLIA members in Miami joined efforts to complete a total of 1,363 miles of running, donating all proceeds to the elementary school. Their dedication turned sweat and action into educational hope for children, embodying the compassionate spirit of giving through effort.

On the day of the donation, Principal Tara Zdanowiz personally visited the Fo Guang Shan Miami Temple to receive the check. The simple yet heartwarming ceremony was filled with gratitude and joy. Venerable Ruyuan, Association President Ms. Yan Hua Deng, and six committee members attended the event, witnessing this meaningful exchange of kindness and educational support.

President Yan Hua Deng expressed that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, advocated the ideals of “giving others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience.” She emphasized that education is the best way to cultivate talent and inspire wisdom, and the association hopes this donation will help more children learn with peace of mind while alleviating financial burdens on families. President Deng also highlighted that education is the foundation of moral and intellectual growth, and the Miami Chapter is committed to supporting the school’s needs long-term, helping to bring the compassion and wisdom of Humanistic Buddhism into the community.

During the meeting, both parties discussed future plans for charitable collaboration. The school expressed interest in inviting the association to assist with after-school tutoring and mindfulness programs, helping students develop both focus and spiritual growth. They also discussed creating a “Mindfulness Garden” on campus, with the Miami Chapter and its youth group collaborating with teachers and students to design and maintain the garden. Through planting and care, the project would beautify the school environment and instill environmental awareness in children from an early age.

Principal Zdanowiz expressed her sincere gratitude for the association’s compassionate support. She noted that, in recent years, budget cuts in public education have created serious challenges for teaching materials and activity funding. This donation, she said, was a timely blessing, filling a crucial resource gap and allowing students, teachers, and parents alike to feel the warmth and care of the community.