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We hope you will recognize that in Margaret's Farm we have preserved a precious Texas resource for this and future generations. Beautiful retreat centers have been built the world over by those who give in order to give back to the universe a portion of the bounty they have received. May your generosity contribute to the happiness of all beings everywhere. The Dhana Basket By Hilde Tipton, Former Resident Manager The first time I attended a retreat at the Margaret Austin Center, I was amazed and a little offended when I was asked to make a donation to the Center in addition to what I had already paid. The retreat I attended was not inexpensive! I had paid what they asked for room and board. I brought my own bedding. I washed my own dishes. And now they wanted more money?!? For those who may find themselves in a similar state of astonished confusion, let me share what I have learned. The Margaret Austin Center was established with very little money, a substantial mortgage, and a lot of goodwill. In the first years of the Center, volunteers organized retreats, built buildings, cooked meals, maintained the grounds, and gave money when they could. They shared a common vision: making available this place of peace and beauty to everyone, regardless of spiritual orientation or philosophy, at as modest a price as possible, and by so doing, honoring the memory of Margaret Austin who had shared her home so hospitably during her life. Many of those founding friends were practicing Buddhists. In the Buddhist tradition, the priceless teachings of the Buddha have always been offered for free. Those who hear the teachings make gifts to the teacher in proportion to their ability to give and in proportion to the value they receive from the teachings. The gifts are called "Dhana" (also spelled "dana"). So originated our custom of asking retreatants for a freewill offering. By making a gift to the Center, you join us in making it possible for all who pursue a personal spiritual path to find a welcome here. Over the years the vision blossomed and the Center grew. We added a second dorm, an office, a computer, a paid manager, part time office staff, and part time cleaning staff. The fees charged by the Center remain low. They pay for the day to day operations of the Center, but provide little margin for big expenses that inevitably occur: a new AC unit, a new coat of paint, comprehensive termite treatment…the list is quite long, and not particularly glamorous. We don’t yet have an endowment fund and we aren’t supported by a large parent organization to bankroll our needs. We are sustained, as we have always been, by those who volunteer their time and talent and by those who share with us their hard-earned money, ensuring that this place of sanctuary remains available to all. In other words, you are our endowment. And so we ask you to share in proportion to what your experience here has meant to you, by leaving cash or checks made out to Margaret Austin Center in the Dhana baskets usually found in the dining hall, the dorms, and the Teachers’ Quarters. Your gift is fully tax deductible and if you leave us your name and address we will send you a receipt. Your gift sustains the Margaret Austin Center so that you and others like you will continue to enjoy this sanctuary for the spirit. Thank you for your generosity. Margaret would be so pleased! For lots of different ways to support the Center monetarily, please take a look at the other links on this page. If you have any
question about donating to the Margaret Austin Center, please contact us
at: Margaret Austin Center |
Before
launching into all the ways available for you to support the Margaret
Austin Center, let us first honor you for your presence at the Center as
you lead or attend retreats and as you allow us to be part of your life
and your spiritual growth. Your presence blesses the Center, and for that
we are thankful.
If you are moved to support the Margaret Austin Center financially – thank you! Please read the information provided below as it is intended – to give you all the options we could find, so that you can choose the method that works best for you and your family.
Annual Gifts
Randalls
and Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program Kroger Shopping Card
Volunteer
your time General Information The importance of working with professionals in estate planning and making a will or establishing a trust cannot be overemphasized. Whenever desired, counsel for the Center will consult with you and your attorney, or other adviser, in order to ensure that your gift arrangement carries out your specific wishes. All communications will be held confidential unless you wish us to disclose information regarding your gift to the Margaret Austin Center.
Bequests
Outright Gifts
Life Income Gifts
Please consult your accountant or attorney to determine the best vehicle for your Gifts
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