BTSD NEW HEIGHTS PROJECT

by Ralph Honda, General Chairman

The ascension to New Heights
is 70% complete.

Construction
is moving along well. Members and friends who visit the temple are encouraged by
the dramatic transformation taking place.

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 Main
Building and Annex, and
stairway and ramp between the buildings are under construction.

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.

Fundraising Effort

As
construction nears completion and payment is due to the construction company,
Online Builders, fundraising must continue at a strong pace.

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.

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 doing
well. At the end of year two, 45% of the temple membership was participating in
the program. As we turned the page to 2008, that number has increased to 48%.

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 your New Heights
statement, please call the office and leave a message for me.

Your Compelling Gift

There
are various methods you as the donor may consider to make your compelling gift to  the New
Heights Project. When considering your gift, please check with your financial 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 schedule
(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.

Challenges Ahead

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 projected as
gifts, a difference of $579,787.

With
the project short of its goal, the big question is—where will the money
come from to help pay for the project?

1.       Continued strong fundraising efforts,
concentrating on new sources.

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

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

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

A Heartfelt Thank You

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

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 challenging,
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.

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 participating 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 and
anytime as the temple ascends to new heights.

Thank you very much for helping the temple realize
its visionary goal!