Sounding Board: Benefit attendees donate and network

 

The joy of the annual Benefit Lunch in person and Breakfast-Time Benefit online is that they are times to gather face to face with the many people who make The Fig Tree possible, said editor Mary Stamp.

"There are so many smiling faces, so many warm hugs, so many brief conversations that come from a depth of relationships," she added. "I love what I do, but I love it that so many people appreciate what our staff and volunteers do, and that it makes a difference for their lives.

The speakers and a video focus attention on the theme. This year it was "Persist Together: Inspire Miracles." That gives some opportunity to reflect on what is happening in the community, region and world.

"The theme is food for thought, which we hope each issue of The Fig Tree is, too," Mary continued.

She admitted it's a lot of work to plan the Spring Benefit, but it is work well worth it to participate in such events.

Spring Benefit proceeds for sponsors for 2026 were at $42,480 as of press time, plus pledges. Seventeen attendees volunteered to help mail, deliver, write, edit and plan events.

"A big thank you to everyone for coming, for smiling, for conversing, for sharing ideas, for giving, for volunteering, for making The Fig Tree better," said Mary.

"We have the thematic video on YouTube, along with the videos of each speaker. We will also have some of the extended comments from those who participated in making the thematic video," she explained, "and we will continue to ask for funds to meet what it takes to publish the newspaper and directory.

 

For information and to make donations or volunteer, and to watch the Benefit Videos and share The Fig Tree story.