Conference rdvax::grateful

    	The first non-profit organization I'd like to post is SEVA. Ever
    wonder where you could get one of those cool T-shirts that Bob used to
    wear with the eyes of Buddha on the front?
    
    	SEVA is Sanskrit for service, and it was founded by Ram Dass (of
    "Be here now" fame) and Wavy Gravy (of Woodstock and Ben & Jerry's
    fame), originally to fund eye surgery clinics in India and Nepal. Now
    their programs include the following "Gifts of service" you can donate
    to:
    
    Support for returning Guatemalan refugees
    Agricultural support for Indian peoples in Chipas, Mexico
    Native American project fund
    Inner City USA (homeless, runanways, HIV/AIDS)
    Numerous Eye programs in India & Nepal
    
    	And, of course, you can still order the cool T-shirts; one style
    even has the Seva eyes/logo on the front, and a Grateful Dead skull &
    roses on the back. Bob W. was a big supporter... Musical artists who
    support Seva (And appear in the latest catalogue) include Bonnie Raitt,
    Jackson Browne, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, as well as Ram Dass and Wavy
    Gravy. Other items for sale in the catalogue include Decals,
    windchimes, Mugs, and Phone cards; the catalogue is divided into "Gifts
    of Service" which are donations to specifc projects, and gift items
    such as the above.
    
    	For a SEVA catalogue, call 415-492-1829. As I said in the base
    note, I personally tend to trust organizations which are afilliated
    with people I trust. And Ram Dass and Wavy Gravy are pretty high up
    there on the credibility scale for me..... I mean, the man's an Ice
    Cream flavor, for goodness' sake! :^)
    
    
    -chuck
    

    	I know that Jerry supported the Rex Foundation as one of his
    primary charities, and that that's where donations were directed when
    he passed on... Perhaps someone elso could post more information on
    what the Rex Foundation does, as I don't know... But their address is:
    
    The Rex Foundation
    P.O. Box 2204
    San Anselmo, CA 94979
    

    	In a recent interview, Bob Weir discusses his Furthur Foundation,
    described as "An organization of talented individuals who are
    attempting o spearhead a trine of tasks: aiding the poor and homeless,
    education of children, and a 'deadicated' effort to waylay the
    destruction of Earth's rainforests." That's all the info I have
    there.... Anyone else know more? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? :^)
    
    The Furthur Foundation
    P.O. box 1688
    Glen Ellen, CA  95442
                                                              

And a little closer to home - 

The Manchester Soup Kitchen is where we send our money...

bob

    
    i was going to put this in the happenings note, but this is just as
    good a place considering the cause/subject/etc...
    
    this saturday at G'Willikers Cross the Water, Mocha Java, and Slipknot 
    are playing a benefit for Abbey's House...  Abbeys' House is a local
    organization here in Worcester that helps homeless/battered mom's and
    kids...  the benefit on saturday is to buy food and gifts to make the
    holidays a little happier in the shelter they run....  G'Willickers
    is donating the space, the bands are donating thier time, and the
    charity is run mostly by volunteers...
    
    the whole thing starts at 3 with face painting and stuff for kids...
    music starts at 5 and goes all night... 
    
    					da ve

deb and i will give money towards either (or both) the globe santa
and the groton santa.  the groton santa helps families in my town,
where we live... so, very local.
sure wish i could give more than just money, such as time, but
no can do now

    I've gotten away from the "big" charaties last few years..
    We gave anonomous gifts to various kids groups here in COlo Spgs, 
    gave money to an org here that lets the poor come into a "Store" and
    actually choose gifts for their kids instead of just being handed a teddy
    bear, slipped a twenty onto a friends front seat (again anonomously) 
    that's having financial troubles, took an ornament off the giving tree and 
    bought a gift for an eldely person, I'm *ALWAYS* a sucker for the
    Salvation Army bell ringers...wish I could give more....
    
    Damn Proud of my friends that are thinking with their heart this
    season.
    
    
    rfb
    rfb

we did end up giving a pretty good sum of $$ to the Groton Town Hall
santa... they help local families in need.  i also fixed up an old
BMX bike i had (new tires, etc) and donated this as well.  it'll make
some 10 yr old very happy!