SPOTLIGHT ON PEACE DAY, 2021
'
'
In support of the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) produced this video to help grow awareness that peace is possible and it begins with each one of us. Please share it and use the hashtag #PeaceDay to join millions of people in supporting the cause of peace.
Learn more about TPRF and ways to make every day a peace day:
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2021FOOD FOR PEOPLE Program in Nepal Coping with Coronavirus
Please consider donating to TPRF's Looking Forward Appeal fundraising campaign. The goal is $150,000 by June 30th. Only another $7,000 is needed to get there. Every little bit helps. Click here to donate. Thanks!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
December 31, 2019TPRF Accomplishments in 2019
TPRF
To make a donation to TPRF
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:16 PM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2019A WORLD OF PEACE
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:29 AM | Comments (0)
December 10, 2019COURAGE IN PEACE
Choosing Peace is the name of this year's fall appeal for The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF). TPRF receives hundreds of expressions from people whose lives have changed by discovering that they have the ability to choose peace. It just takes understanding that this strength is there within themselves.
The video above is a remarkable narrative from people whose lives have been torn apart by years of civil war in Sri Lanka. Listen to them express what making that discovery and making that choice has meant to them.
One woman, who lost her hands in childhood, speaks of the impact of the Peace Education Program on her experience of being alive. Others, whose lives and families have been uprooted and filled with suffering because of the war, express their gratitude for discovering that peace for them was not dependent on governments or warring groups.
It is your support that makes possible not just the Peace Education Program, which grew by 26% last year, but it also supports TPRF's Food for People program, as well as eye clinics in India, sponsorship of some of Prem Rawat's international events, and the provision of aid for people suffering from disasters, such as the recent hurricane in the Bahamas.
How to donate to TPRF
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2019INSIDE PEACE: The Trailer
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:03 PM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2019KENNETH'S STORY: The Food for People Program in Ghana
In this video you will meet Kenneth, the first student from the Otinibi Basic School, in Ghana, to ever attend university. He credits the Food for People Program with empowering him to succeed in school and gain admission to the University of Ghana. Kenneth was the first from his community to make it to college, but now there are several others following in his footsteps.
As Prem Rawat said to the students at the opening of the Food for People facility in 2012, "This program is here to give you the opportunity to reach for the stars."
More videos about this project
To donate to the Food for People project
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:40 AM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2019The 2019 Golden Garden Party
Click here to read more about the fabulous Golden Garden Party in Asheville, NC -- a fundraiser for TPRF's Food for People program. Even if you don't live in Asheville you can participate by buying raffle tickets or making a donation. Lots of cool goodies to win.
PS: Last year's event raised $7,380 for FFP, providing much needed support for malnourished children around the world. With your support, we can exceed this amount in 2019. Every little bit helps. As Mother Teresa once said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." This is your chance to feed at least one hungry person.
Golden Garden Party website
TPRF.org
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:18 AM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2018The Golden Garden Party Xl
If you are anywhere near Fairview, NC (close to Asheville) on June 16th, please consider attending the 11th annual Golden Garden Party -- a fabulous benefit event to support the humanitarian work of The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF). In addition to great music, food, and people, there will be a raffle and a wide variety of fine art, jewelry, and other goodies for sale.
Here's a sneak preview of some of Rachel Clearfield's creations that will be available for purchase. Fine reproductions, signed by the artist, will be available from $150 to $1,500 depending on the size (from 24" X 30" to 36" X 48") and the medium (archival paper or canvas.) 25% of all purchases will be donated to TPRF's Food for People program.) Prices for the originals and all reproduction orders can be obtained by contacting Rachel: clearfieldstudios@earthlink.net
Raffle tickets are available for purchase no matter where you live. You do not need to be attend the Golden Garden Party to win. Your $5 or $10 raffle ticket purchase will be be matched. 100% of all raffle ticket purchases will be donated to support the work of TPRF.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 05:24 AM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2017TPRF Successes in 2017
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2017The Golden Garden Party
On June 4th, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, Ron and Rachel Clearfield will be hosting their 10th annual Golden Garden Party -- an inspiring fundraiser for TRPF's Food for People program. Everyone is invited. And that means YOU, even if you live halfway around the world. If you can't get to Asheville physically, no worries -- you can get their metaphysically or, should I say virtually. How? By entering the Golden Garden Party Raffle.
As of today, there are 25 items to be raffled off -- for a total of $2,000 worth of goodies. And more items are being added daily. Raffle tickets are $5, or three for $10. And, since a friend of the project is offering a matching donation, every ticket you buy will trigger another donation for that same amount.
If you have a winning ticket, you get to choose what gift you want. You do not need to be present to win, but you will need to submit your top three preferred items. More about the raffle here.
The Golden Garden Party website
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:13 AM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2017An Iraq Veteran Speaks on Peace
Click here for a powerful, 4-minute video of an incarcerated veteran speaking about his discovery of inner peace via TPRF's Peace Education Program. The video, in a a very clear and compelling way, kicks off TPRF's Spring fundraising drive. Imagine. This gent was deployed to Iraq. Then, back in the US, he ended up in prison. A double whammy. But then, behind bars, he got in touch with the peace inside himself. Very inspiring. "I see things in a whole new light," he explains...
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
December 13, 2016Update on TRPF's Fundraising Campaign
Many readers of Heart of the Matter are very interested in the work of The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), a non-profit organization whose mission is to address the fundamental human needs of food, water, and peace.
Towards this end, TPRF is now in the midst of its Welcoming a New Era fundraising campaign to support it's various initiatives (i.e, Peace Education Program, Food for People, Peace for People, and Special Aid Projects).
To date, $121,315 has been raised -- 81% of it's $150,000 goal. If you would like to make a contribution to this worthy effort, click here. Tis the season to donate. Every little bit helps.
VIDEO: Daya Rawat, TPRF President
Peace Education in Academia
A Conversation with Prem Rawat and Burt Wolff
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
November 30, 2016A Newly Released TPRF Video
Lovely video of Daya Rawat talking about the humanitarian work of The Prem Rawat Foundation -- part of a newly launched fundraising drive to continue the inspired efforts of this extraordinary organization.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2016KEEPING THE PEACE: Mexican Navy Integrates Peace Education
ED. NOTE: The following article is reprinted from TPRF.org. It is also available in Spanish.
The Mexican Navy is trying a new approach to domestic peacekeeping in the troubled city of Veracruz. The force recently incorporated the Peace Education Program (PEP) into its training regime, offering the course to more than 240 marines, police officers, and security officials at its base there.
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is one of Mexico's most important ports and economic centers. Unfortunately, its prime location along the coast has also made it a hub for illegal drug trafficking. In recent years, the city has topped the country's list of places wracked by crime and violence.
With many local authorities enmeshed in corruption, the federal government dispatched the Navy to help restore order. The force is taking a holistic approach to its duties -- not only detaining criminals, but also trying to address the underlying social problems that lead to crime in the first place. That means the Naval police are helping drug addicts gain access to rehabilitation centers and are providing shelter and support to the homeless and unemployed.
And it also means they're taking security issues personally -- looking for ways they can lead by example and live more peaceful lives themselves.
"Individuals who are involved in preventing crime should be the first ones to be centered. They should have personal peace because that is the key to prevent crime," says Captain Antonio Morales, Commander of the Naval Police in Veracruz. "I believe that not everything can be solved with weapons, or more police force, or more armored vehicles, or more aggression. There are other solutions, and I share that philosophy with the Peace Education Program."
Captain Morales and a small group of officers first participated in PEP themselves. They found the course pertinent and inspiring, then trained to become facilitators and started offering the program to others on the Naval base. The response has been impressive, according to Morales.
"The results were excellent. People were deeply impacted. People found ways they can change their self-esteem, health, and behavior -- this yields better people," he says. "If we have better people, we have better police officers, and with better police officers on the street, we will have more safety in the community, which is going to have a positive impact."
Plans call for continuing to offer the program on the Naval base, and Morales is also advocating for it to expand to civilian agencies such as the Department of Education so that more people will have the opportunity to enroll in Veracruz and beyond.
"I believe that with these agencies acting together with the police to make PEP universal, we will have great results. My hope is that in the near future my country can be flooded with PEP; that is my dream, and I would like to accomplish it," says Morales.
He appreciates the volunteers and supporters at The Prem Rawat Foundation who are working to make PEP freely available in Mexico and around the world.
"Thanks to all of you for the great work you are doing so unselfishly. I thank, fraternally, with all of my energy, with all of my heart, all of the people who are involved in this Foundation."
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2016Prem Rawat Live Stream Event: June 15th, 3:00 pm EST
The Prem Rawat Foundation recently announced an historic YouTube Live Stream event that will take place on Wednesday, June 15th, at 3:00 pm. EST (8 pm in London).
TPRF and the Tutu Foundation UK will co-sponsor a conference attended by senior officials from UK correctional institutions and crime prevention initiatives. The stream will include a keynote address by Prem Rawat and a panel discussion about TPRF's Peace Education Program (PEP) and Tutu Foundation's Ubuntu program.
The conference will begin with a screening (not streamed) of Inside Peace, a film that documents the remarkable impact of PEP. The Live Stream will allow thousands of people from all over the world to be part of a small, intimate event.
You are all warmly invited to attend, and to tell your friends.
Save the date and stay tuned for updates on the TPRF Facebook page. The Live Stream will be available on TPRF.org
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:38 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2016Food for People Benefit Party Near Asheville, North Carolina: June 4th
You are invited to the ninth annual GOLDEN GARDEN PARTY -- a benefit for the Prem Rawat Foundation's Food for People Program -- at the home of Ron and Rachel Clearfield in Leicester, North Carolina.
The June 4th gathering begins at 4:00 pm and will include a sumptuous dinner from the award-winning Mela Indian Restaurant and performances by Richard Shulman, Thea and the Greenman, and others. There will also be a cash bar, jewelry and art sales, and a raffle. $20 suggested donation.
The benefit will be outdoors so wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, bring a folding chair, blanket, and sunscreen. Please carpool,if possible. Click here for more information.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:52 AM | Comments (0)
May 17, 2016You Are Invited to Enter The Peace Partners Eco-Blog Competition
The Heart of the Matter is happy to publish the following guest post by Abi Patrick of Peace Partners in England.
With so many countries at war these days, civilians caught in the crossfire, esclating climate change, and the increasing amount of people not having an adequate supply of food or water, it would be fair to say that the goal of achieving peace on Planet Earth seems to be moving further out of our reach. And while many people may assume that peace will never be achieved, there are quite a number of us who continue to do everything we can to make it happen.
It's a great pleasure to see that many young people, these days, are taking a stand for peace and sharing their stories, experiences, and opinions on blogs, websites and many other social media platforms -- even building their own peace-themed organisations.
In this spirit of peace and possibility, Peace Partners invites YOU to enter our eco-blog competition and help spread awareness about the most important global issues facing us today -- sustainability, environmental health, poverty, war, human rights, climate change, and peace.
Peace Partners is a newly founded, UK charity set up to support positive change by supporting the work of The Prem Rawat Foundation -- a non-profit dedicated to spreading dignity, peace, and prosperity in the world.
To enter Peace Partner's competition all you need to do is write a blog post on any of the above-noted topics by June 12th and email it to bloggers@peacepartners.co.uk.
The top 10 entrants will be showcased at Peace Partner's Waves of Change -- Make it Happen, Make it Matter event on July 2nd at The Crystal Building in London -- a peace and sustainability forum that will be a great way to meet others who share the same vision and commitment. We would love to see you there!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:25 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2016Stone Walls Do Not a Prison Make
Inspiring four-minute video of the impact of TPRF's Peace Education Program at the Zonderwater Prison in South Africa. Wow!
Want to contribute to the Peace Education Program?
The Prem Rawat Foundation
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2015Know Thy Selfie
A big shout out to all of the people who participated in last year's "Know Thy Selfie" campaign to help raise funds for TPRF -- a grassroots effort that would make it fun and easy for anyone, regardless of location or means, to participate in TPRF's annual fundraising campaign. The above video honors and thanks the 104 participants from all over the world who contributed to the campaign.
If you want to participate in this year's fundraising effort, watching this 7-minute video would be a good place to start.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:44 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2015Upcoming TPRF Gala Benefit in UK
The word "gala" can be traced all the way back to 1620 to the Old French word "galer" meaning "rejoice and make merry" -- exactly what will be happening on Saturday, October 3rd in the UK.
That's when over 200 Friends of TPRF will be gathering for a memorable evening of fun, friendship, fine dining, and a chance to experience the extraordinary progress The Prem Rawat Foundation is making in its ongoing efforts to foster dignity, peace, and prosperity on planet earth.
Above and beyond the reception, gourmet dinner, and live music, the evening will feature a unique presentations from Daya Rawat, President of TPRF.
Also Ayrton Cable, the 12-year old founder of the Youth WAF Award, will give a presentation and field questions from the audience.
Videos will be shown which will enhance your understanding of the work of TPRF and how it is making a difference in the lives of so many around the world. The evening showcases the premiere screening of a remarkable interview between Ayrton Cable and Prem Rawat (Ambassador of Peace), which took place at the Water and Food Award Ceremony, in London, in 2014.
Chris Mac Vittie and Daya Rawat will be performing songs from their new album The Envy of Stars.
Ganga Thappa and Namlo Trio from Nepal -- a fusion of Indian, Nepalese, Mali, and South American sounds -- will delight the ears and soothe the heart.
Mudibu, a singer/song writer from Burundi who to the UK as young teenager after fleeing from the civil war, will also be performing. His voice is a powerhouse of emotions and feeling that touch and ignite the very core of the listener.
The Gala Finale will feature the extraordinary music of Tim Hain, a showman of many talents -- singer, song writer, and blues/country guitarist supreme.
Register here
How to become a sponsor of the Gala
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:44 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2015TPRF's Peace for People: 2015
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year's commemoration is "Partnerships for Peace -- Dignity for All," which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society working together to strive for peace.
As a partner in this international effort, The Prem Rawat Foundation has produced a new video to help grow awareness that peace is possible for individuals across the planet. The video entitled Your Secret Weapon which features the words of TPRF Founder, Prem Rawat, has just been released. Good news travels fast!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 02:15 AM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2015TPRF Launches Television Broadcasts Across the U.S.
The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) is set to launch its first multi-state television broadcast program this month, sharing its founder's message of peace with viewers in five major cities across the U.S. The initiative builds off of success at a station in Phoenix, Arizona, where a winter pilot program set viewership records in the twelfth biggest television market in the country.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2015What I Learned from Our Independent Valentine's Day Fundraising Project
Recently, my good buddy, Stuart Hoffman and I collaborated on an independent fundraising initiative to help support our favorite charity, The Prem Rawat Foundation. It was a ton of fun. So far, we've raised $4,981 and gotten more than 13,000 hits on our video. Here's a bunch o' stuff I learned (or remembered) along the way:
1. It feels good to serve.
2. Most people want to give.
3. If you want to create something new, it's helpful to have a collaborator.
4. It takes a village and a few village idiots to make magic.
5. Some people don't like Valentine's Day.
6. Twelve saints named "Valentine" have been canonized by the Catholic church.
7. Googling "love quotes" reveals hundreds of inspiring quotes from known and unknown sources.
8. Everybody has an opinion.
9. The staff of The Prem Rawat Foundation is very committed and easy to work with.
10. Some people think 5:23 is a long time.
11. More people will participate in a fundraising effort if they are invited to participate and have a clearly defined role that makes sense to them.
12. Daya Rawat is an extraordinary singer.
13. Any effort made to personalize a fundraising effort is an effort well-made.
14. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.
15. Fundraising success can be measured in many ways. HINT: It's not all about the money.
16. Coffee is an excellent fundraising catalyst.
17. Many people suffer from "fundraising fatigue."
18. Posting a video on my friends' FB pages is a good way to get the word out, as long as I don't overdo it and only choose the friends who won't be bothered by my taking that liberty.
19. I have a tendency to obsess.
20. I never really knew that my dog, Chili, could become part of a fundraising campaign.
21. Donors to a fundraising campaign appreciate getting updates and progress reports.
21. Some people perceive a request to donate to a charity as a botheration.
22. Publishing an article about the History of Valentine's Day in the Huffington Post is an excellent way to publicize a Valentine's Day-themed fundraising campaign.
24. It's inspiring to set seemingly impossible goals as long as I don't get attached to them.
25. Keep my emails short.
26. It's useful to pay attention to feedback, especially the feedback I judge as irrelevant or absurd. It's also good to thank the people who give me feedback, even if I don't agree with them.
27. Murphy's Law has a way of creeping into any project.
28. The path is made by walking on it.
29. TPRF could use some more volunteers.
30. In some places around the world, $1.00 feeds a hungry child for a day.
31. Some people won't get to #31 on my list of 40 things I've learned (but YOU have, so, congratulations!) You either have nothing better to do, are slightly crazy, or are a patient friend of mine.
32. Stuart Hoffman and Jennifer Edwards are a great songwriting team.
33. No matter what you think of Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook is an awesome platform to facilitate communication.
34. The Peace Education Program is working wonders to help people in prison get a fresh start in life.
35. When your Mac keyboard stops working in the middle of a project like this, buying a $49 plug-in keyboard at Best Buy is the way to go.
36. Doing anything on behalf of a charity, whatever the cause, works way better when you are actually feeling grateful.
37. Love rules!
38. The Food for People program is a shining example of how a good idea can work wonders.
39. Thinking I don't have time to volunteer for a charity (in this case TPRF) because I need to focus on "making a living" is a bogus thought, originating from a weird place of fear and anxiety. There is always time to be of service. And the amazing thing (even though I can't really prove it and the concept of "cause and effect" is a slippery slope to walk), two well-paying gigs came to me out of the blue while I was working on this project. That's two month's worth of income, folks. Coincidence? Maybe. But maybe not. Just saying...
40. These two independent fundraisers walk into a bar...
The Valentine's Day Love Quotes show
It's not too late to donate
The Prem Rawat Foundation
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:20 PM | Comments (1)
February 11, 2015The History (and Present) of Valentine's Day
Most people think Valentine's Day was invented by Hallmark Cards. It wasn't. Valentine's Day is actually a well-documented, historical phenomenon -- its tangled roots winding their way through centuries worth of Christian liturgy, pagan tradition, myth, and an occasional beheading.
The most popular account of its origins date back to a temple priest named, not surprisingly, Valentine, a later-to-be-canonized saint who was executed in 270 A.D. by Emperor Claudius II for performing illegal marriage ceremonies on the Roman battlefield. Back then, as the story goes, the military-minded Claudius believed connubial bliss was bad for war and made it illegal for soldiers to wed.
Imprisoned for his battlefield-betrothing ways, Valentine, a man of many talents, supposedly healed the blind daughter of his jailer while incarcerated and, the night before his execution, gave the newly sighted young lass a hand written card signed -- you guessed it -- "From Your Valentine."
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Of course, as in most historical accounts, there is almost an infinite variety of competing legends -- some religious, some pagan, some merely the result of bad translations by poorly educated scribes. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints named Valentine -- each of whom were martyred on February 14th. And to make matters even more Valetiney, the official Roman Catholic roster of saints lists no less than 12 saints named "Valentine."
Indeed, depending on where you live and what you believe, it is possible to celebrate St. Valentine's Day on six different days of the year -- November 3, January 7, July 25, July 6 being four of them. Me? I prefer February 14, not just because it's an American tradition, but because, where I live, February is ridiculously bleak and chocolate keeps my spirits (and blood sugar) high.
It wasn't until the 14th century, however, that Valentine's Day was associated with romantic love. And it was the English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, who we have to thank for that. Chaucer's opus, Parliament of Foules, was the first ever to link the tradition of courtly love with St. Valentine's day.
Handwritten Valentine's Day cards were the tradition until 1847. That's when Esther Howland, a Mt. Holyoke graduate and budding entrepreneur, got the idea to mass produce them, ordering massive amounts of paper and lace from jolly old England, a country where no less than half the population was in the habit of giving and receiving Valentine's Day cards.
Thirty five hundred miles away, in the not-so-jolly United States, more than 190 million Valentine's Day cards are given each year -- and, if you count the number of cards school children give each other, that number skyrockets to one billion. With US citizens spending approximately $13.1 billion on Valentine's Day gifts each year, it's fair to say this love-themed holiday may be just as good for the economy as war is.
Fortunately, you don't have to be martyred, heal your daughter's jailer, or recite Chaucer's poetry to celebrate your loved ones this year. In addition to sending chocolate, roses, jewelry and cards, you can also send something digital, more specifically, the 5:23 music slide show featuring 23 inspired quotes on love by a selection of movers and shakers, none of whom, I believe, have ever been beheaded, healed the blind, or performed a single marriage ceremony on a Roman battlefield.
Also published in the Huffington Post.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:46 AM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2015Hungry for Love
The Prem Rawat Foundation is doing some amazing work around the world, spreading peace, dignity, and prosperity to people who really need it. TPRF's Food for People program is groundbreaking. What follows are photos of some of the children on the receiving end. If you are moved to donate, click here -- part of a Valentine's Day-themed independent fundraising effort to support the good work of TPRF.
The Valentine's Day Love Quote show
Stuart and Mitch's social fundraising page
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:11 AM | Comments (1)
February 05, 201523 Inspiring Quotes on Love
Some people who have seen the Valentine's Day YouTube video that Stuart Hoffman and I produced have told us they'd like to pause on specific quotes -- so, here it is reformatted as a slide show. Click the white triangle to forward the quotes at your own pace. Stuart and I are trying to raise $50,000 for our favorite charity, The Prem Rawat Foundation. $1.00 feeds a hungry child for a day. Click here to donate.
Click to give to Stuart & Mitch's social fundraising campaign
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2014The KNOW THY SELFIE Video
Ta da! Here is the KNOW THY SELFIE video, premiered, last night at TPRF's fabulous Gala Benefit in Los Angeles. Many of the photos and names are those of people who wanted to attend the event, but couldn't be there. Thanks for participating in this fun way!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2014Know Thy Selfie Closing in 24 Hours
Three minutes is all it takes to show your support for TPRF.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:39 AM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2014Last Call for Your True Selfies
Got three minutes? Want to creatively express your support for TPRF, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that helps people live with dignity, peace and prosperity? Click here to find out how.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:19 AM | Comments (0)
June 30, 2014Be a Friend of TPRF Worldwide
If you, your business, or community would like to help sponsor TPRF's July 20th Annual Gala Benefit in Westlake Village, CA, there are still some FRIENDS OF TPRF WORLDWIDE sponsorships available.
This is a great way to support a great charity -- one that has provided more the 1.5 million meals for people in need since 2006 as part of it's innovative Food for People program.
Additionally, it's Peace Education Program is making a huge difference in prisons, schools, hospitals, retirement homes, colleges, and many other facilities around the world. Fostering dignity, peace, and prosperity is what it's all about.
Click here for more info. And click below for the number of meals served by FFP in 2013.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
Einstein on TPRF
OK. Update time. 20 selfies have been submitted so far to TPRF's Know Thy Selfie campaign -- a fun way for everyone to participate in this year's Annual Gala Benefit fundraising efforts. That's a good start, but we need another 100 to be submitted by July 15th for the video to really fly. You in? All you need is a smart phone, four minutes, and the desire to help foster dignity, peace, and prosperity in the world.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 02:13 AM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2014KNOW THY SELFIE Goes Viral!
OK, so I'm not a great photographer and the lighting is lame. Big deal. In the grand scheme of things, it's really not all that important.
What IS important? I just emailed my selfie to tprfselfies@gmail.com after making a donation to TPRF.
My selfie (and yours, hopefully) will be part of a fun video to be premiered at TPRF's Gala Benefit, on July 20th, at the Four Seasons Hotel, in LA. The video will also be posted to TPRF's YouTube channel on the same day.
Come join in the fun. All we need are another 112 selfies submitted by July 15th so we can make an awesome video celebrating YOU and the other generous supporters of TPRF who have said YES to making a difference in the world.
Frequent updates on TPRF Facebook
PS: Know Thy Selfie!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 01:58 PM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2014Raising the Bar, Not Being Behind Bars
The quote above is from an inmate in a Spanish prison who participated in TPRF's Peace Education Program. If you want to support the work of TPRF so more inmates (and hungry children... and nursing home residents... and people in hospices... and disaster victims...and many other people in need) can have more dignity, peace, and prosperity in their lives, consider making a donation to TPRF as part of it's Annual Gala Benefit fundraising campaign. Every little bit helps.
Or if you want to be in our video that will be premiered on July 20th at the Four Seasons Hotel in LA and online at TPRF's YouTube Channel, become part of our fun Know Thy Selfie campaign.
As Robert Louis Stevenson once said: "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving."
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2014TPRF's Know Thy Selfie Campaign
One of the most popular quotes in the world, "Know Thy Self", has long ago been attributed to the great Greek philosopher, Socrates. It's popularity, some say, can be attributed to two things: its brevity and its profound meaning.
Recently however, an archeological dig in Greece has revealed a possible new interpretation of the quote -- one that Greek linguists are claiming to be "Know Thy Selfie."
Apparently, the archeological dig has unearthed a sketch of Socrates holding some kind of device in his right hand -- what leading pundits are now asserting to be an early predecessor of the cell phone.
Inspired by the profound implications of this finding and greatly taken with the Greek principal of participatory democracy, TPRF has decided to launch its first annual KNOW THY SELFIE campaign -- one I warmly invite you to participate in.
It's simple to do, a lot of fun, and may very well change the course of Western Civilization. Eastern, too.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
1. Make a contribution here to the Benefit campaign in any amount from $1 to $499.
2. Email your selfie and name to tprfselfies@gmail.com by July 15th.
3. Your name and selfie will be included in the world premiere showing of a Know Thy Selfie video at the Benefit event
4. The video will be published on TPRF's YouTube channel at the time it's shown at the event.
5. TPRF's fundraising efforts will succeed, YOU get your 15 nanoseconds of fame, and Socrates gets a free upgrade on his quote.
Even if you can't make it to LA for the Benefit on July 20th, you can still participate in the fun. No donation is too small. You can still help people, everywhere, know themselves.
About the Gala Benefit
About TPRF
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:33 AM | Comments (2)
June 13, 2014A Big TPRF Success in 2013
Check back here, on Monday, for an update on TPRF's Annual Gala Benefit in Westlake Village, on July 20th. You are invited! (NOTE: If you cannot attend the Gala, you can still participate virtually! More info about HOW you can do that will be posted on this blog and also on TPRF's Facebook page. Stay tuned!
Food for People
The Prem Rawat Foundation
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 05:02 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2013A Conversation Between Jeremy Gilley and Prem Rawat
This is an extraordinary video. Peace Activist and Founder of Peace One Day, Jeremy Gilley, has an animated conversation with Prem Rawat. Their exchange is deep, revealing, inspiring, and very timely. If you are interested in the topic of peace, this one's for you.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2013Time to Thunderclap for TPRF!
TPRF is actively promoting the UN-sponsored International Day of Peace on September 21st. To help get the word out, TPRF is using a cool, new social media platform called "Thunderclap" -- and you can help.
Here's why this matters:
Social media is an easy way to say something, but it's a difficult way to be heard. Thunderclap is the first-ever crowdspeaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. It allows a single message to be mass-shared, flash mob-style, so it rises above the noise of your social networks.
By boosting the signal at the same time, Thunderclap helps a single person create action and change like never before. You don't need a huge following for a successful Thunderclap.
Here's How YOU Can Be Part of TPRF's Thunderclap:
1. Click here
2. Then click on the Facebook button.
3. Read the text of the automatic post.
4. Click on "Add my Support"
You can also go back and promote TPRF's Thunderclap via Twitter or Tumblr using the same process. It only takes a minute.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2013PeaceBeats WorldWide Webcast Coming Soon!
Get ready for the PeaceBeats world wide webcast on September 21st. This is an inspired effort by some inspired people to support the inspired message of the UN-sponsored International Day of Peace. As soon as the program schedule is announced, it will posted here.
PeaceBeats website
TPRF Peace for People
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2013Peace Is a Feeling
Here is the second in a series of brief videos produced by TPRF to help promote the UN-sponsored International Day of Peace on September 21st. If your organization would like to partner with TPRF in an effort to help call attention to this important event, click here.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:34 PM | Comments (1)
August 05, 2013One Way to Support the International Day of Peace on September 21st
If your organization would like to partner with TPRF to help call attention to the International Day of Peace sponsored by the United Nations on September 21st, click here.
The process of becoming a partner is very simple and the impact your organization can have is immense.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)
August 02, 2013Where Is Peace?
Here is the next video in TPRF's Peace For People 2013 campaign. These videos can also be seen on TPRF's YouTube channel as well as the TPRF website. The first video in the series -- Peace is a Feeling -- was released on July 1 and has received over 17,000 views from 120 countries!
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 06:44 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2013Peace Is a Feeling
Here is the first in a series of four short videos promoting PEACE FOR PEOPLE 2013. Next releases: 8/1, 9/1, and 9/21 in honor of International Peace Day.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2013The Golden Garden Party: June 15th
This just in from Rachel and Ron Clearfield:
"Ron and I would like to invite you to our 7th annual Golden Garden Party to benefit TPRF's Food for People program -- an inspired gathering that will be held on our land near Asheville, North Carolina on Saturday, June 15, 2013.
We'll be having some fabulous music and food. Lots of wonderful people will be there and we hope you can be there, too!
If, by chance, you cannot attend, please consider making a donation via our website. Every dollar you give will be matched by an anonymous donor. What a great way to help this important project of The Prem Rawat Foundation."
NOTE: The painting that illustrates this posting -- a Rachel Clearfield original Oil on Linen -- will be auctioned off at the event. Click here for more info and a simple way make an online bid.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:21 AM | Comments (0)
September 28, 20127 Billion Reasons for Peace
The following just posted on The Prem Rawat Foundation website.
"As this is being posted, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Prem Rawat is receiving a prestigious International Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF), a non-profit organization in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific.
The intent of the award is to honor individuals whose contributions have enhanced the well-being of society and made our lives more comfortable.
APBF recognizes many outstanding people, but only three others have received its Lifetime Achievement Award: Hilary Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and Heinz Fischer.
Stay tuned for more news on tprf.org as the story unfolds".
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 12:10 AM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2012Texas Prisoners Find Inner Peace
Here's an extraordinary fact: There are more people living in US jails than live in the entire state of New Mexico.
Based on the latest data, the combined inmate population of correctional facilities in the United States is currently about 2.35 million.
The cost to the US Government? $74 billion dollars. That's $30,600 per prisoner. Those are staggering numbers. But even more staggering are the recidivism rates. 60% of all prisoners released from jail eventually return.
Clearly, the prison system is broken -- not just in this country, but in the world. Attempts at rehabilitation -- and there have been many -- have simply not worked. Until recently.
The Prem Rawat Foundation's (TPRF) Peace Education Program, now being piloted in Texas' Dominguez State Prison, is getting extraordinary results. Here is the story (be sure to watch the video).
More about the program in Spanish.
More about the Peace Education Program
Inmate expressions
Letters from Prison officials
Recent PEP news
TPRF
Words of Peace Global
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2011Tis the Season to Be Giving
The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) has just launched its 10th Anniversary Holiday Campaign in an inspired effort to create more grass roots support for its much needed humanitarian endeavors such as Food for People, the Peace Education Program, and various forms of humanitarian aid. The goal of the Holiday Campaign is a simple one: 100 new donors contributing $10 (or more) per month.
Think about it. That's two capuccinos... or one night at the movies -- not much of a sacrifice, but more than enough to help support people in dire need.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)
