BTSD NEW HEIGHTS PROJECT

BTSD NEW HEIGHTS PROJECT <= /b>

by Ralph Honda, General Chairman

            The ascension to New Heights is 70% complete.

    &= nbsp;       Construction is moving along well. Members and friends who visit the temple are encourag= ed by the dramatic transformation taking place.

    &= nbsp;       The elevated walkway and trellis are near completion. The elevator tower is awaiting stucco and elevator cab will be installed this month. Work on the bridge connecting the Mai= n Building and Annex,= and stairway and ramp between the buildings are under construction.<= /span>

    &= nbsp;       Work will commence soon on the elevator openings leading into the conference room and Hondo. The temple is working closely with SDG&E to secure adequate = power for the unit.

    &= nbsp;

Fundraising Effort

    &= nbsp;       As construction nears completion and payment is due to the construction compan= y, Online Builders, fundraising must continue at a strong pace.

    &= nbsp;       The end of December marked the end of our second year of fundraising with very encouraging results. The campaign generated an additional $193,480 in cash gifts, pledges, and credit card donations.

    &= nbsp;       Fundraising professionals claim that religious organizations face the most challenges in generating funds for a major project. On average, based on membership, if a religious organization reaches 40% of its major fundraising goal, it is doi= ng well. At the end of year two, 45% of the temple membership was participatin= g in the program. As we turned the page to 2008, that number has increased to 48= %.

    &= nbsp;       Year-end tax statements were sent out to donors who contributed in 2007. Please use = your statement as a record for tax purposes. If you have questions regarding you= r New Heights statement, please call the office and leave a message for me.

Your Compelling Gift

    &= nbsp;       There are various methods you as the donor may consider to make your compelling g= ift to the N= ew Heights Project. When considering your gift, please check with your financi= al advisor on the best method of giving. Here are some suggestions to consider.

1.      = Cash or credit card gift in one= lump sum.

2.      = Cash gift through a payment sch= edule (comfort level most appropriate for many donors).

3.      = Gifts in memory of a loved one.=

4.      = Securities in the form stock and mutual funds (BTSD has established a brokerage account with Fidelity Investments to receive such gifts).

5.      = Personal Property assets.<= /o:p>

Challenges Ahead

    &= nbsp;       The construction cost estimate stands at approximately $1.3 million. With monies received and pledges reported at the end of last year, $720,213 is projecte= d as gifts, a difference of $579,787.

    &= nbsp;       With the project short of its goal, the big question is—where will the mon= ey come from to help pay for the project?

1.      = Continued strong fundraising ef= forts, concentrating on new sources.

2.      = Liquidating funds held in the brokerage account with Zions Direct. The account was established by the tem= ple eight years ago with the purpose of generating funds for endowment. Present= ly the account holds funds for the Elevator/New Heights, p= ortions of Eitaikyo, and Scholarship/Endowment. The account’s net worth is approximately $840,000.

3.      = Securing a loan (First choice is through BCA).

    &= nbsp;       The project committee considers these key choices in helping pay our remaining bills to the contractor in a timely manner.

A Heartfelt Thank You

    &= nbsp;       The temple truly appreciates everyone’s compelling gift with a tremendous amount of gratitude. We understand that your gift is given deep from your h= eart and we cherish your support.

    &= nbsp;       As the temple enters its third year of fundraising, the vision of ascending to= New Heights is close to reality. We face financial obligations that are very challengin= g, but attainable with the extraordinary effort of the Sangha and our friends = in the community. The committee will work extra hard to achieve our financial goal.

    &= nbsp;       Thank you very much for your patience and for your generous gifts to the BTSD New Heights Project. Gassho.

BTSD NEW HEIGHTS PROJECT DONORS LIST

(As of January 16, 2008)

    The Buddhist Temple of San Diego wishes to express its deepest appreciation to = the

Sangha members, families and friends who are participatin= g in the BTSD New

Heights Fundraising Project.

    Members and friends who are not participating in the campaign are encouraged to

to submit their gift and pledge a= nd anytime as the temple ascends to new heights.

    Thank you very much for helping the temple reali= ze its visionary goal!