I have had many homes this time. I have laid My head on the ground in palaces and on concrete floors of humble homes. But of all the homes I have visited, this is the home that I love best, because it was given to Me, and built for Me, with such love. I never leave. Remember,
I do not leave because this is My home.
Meher Baba, Meher Center 1952
Dear Youth Sahavas Community,
Too much time has passed since we’ve seen or even been in touch with many of you. It’s hard to believe that Meher Center is now approaching the 30
th
anniversary of the Youth Sahavas! We are writing to you now because of your unique history with Meher Center as a participant at the event. A number of you may have already received this letter in some form, but we wanted to make sure we reach out and connect with all of you— especially since in the decades to come, the responsibility and privilege of supporting and maintaining Baba’s home in the West will rest with many of you.
It has never been the Center’s way to talk very much about money. The focus on Meher Baba’s life and message has always come first, as the miracle of His love is the sole reason for the Center’s existence. At the same time, for those who feel a deep connection to the Center, being aware of the Center’s financial needs can become an opportunity to help take responsibility for the ongoing care of His precious home. On a practical level, as has always been the case, the current and future stability of the Center’s financial wellbeing lies in the hands of His lovers.
The Center’s board has embraced its responsibility to do more in-depth and ongoing communication, so what we’re sharing now is the beginning of a long-term communication initiative.
Please take the time to review the information that follows. It provides an overview of the Center's financial status. The Center's financial health is critical to maintaining its presence as a spiritual refuge for those seeking Him. Feel free to contact any board member with questions you may have over the coming months.
You can donate to the Center through our website at
www.mehercenter.org/donate/
, where you can choose to begin a monthly donation or give a one-time gift. Or, you can send a check to:
Meher Center, 10200 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC. 29572
. For those who would like to increase their existing monthly donation, please contact the Gateway at 843-272-5777.
Thanks again for your loving support of the Center. His Home in the West is a priceless gift He has given to all of us.
In His Love & Service,
Buz Connor Linda Hansen
Executive Director, Meher Spiritual Center Board Member, Meher Spiritual Center
(buzconnor@mehercenter.org ) (linjhansen@gmail.com)
An Overview of the Center’s Financial Picture
For many years, there has been a general impression that the Center is in good shape financially and has no pressing financial needs. For a number of different reasons, this is not an accurate overview.
In reality, the Center needs more financial support than it currently receives in three primary areas.
Firstly, the Center’s operating costs far exceed its operating income. There are many factors that have contributed to this situation. They include a general increase in costs, needs related to aging buildings and infrastructure, the decision to pay the dedicated Center staff more reasonably, and the long-term commitment to maintain lower cabin fees so that the Center is accessible to us all.
In order to reduce the Center’s operating deficit so that it does not draw down its endowment at an unsustainable pace, the Center’s board has determined that in 2019 the Center needs to receive $350,000 more in donations than it has normally received. This is a concrete and specific goal and we are reaching out to the entire Baba family to make everyone aware of this need. We are asking each person in his or her own way to be as supportive as possible to help the Center meet this goal.
Secondly, in addition to its operating deficit challenges, the Center faces four Mission Critical projects that require separate funding. These Mission Critical projects are:
1. Fire Mitigation
2. Security
3. Lake Preservation
4. Forest Ecology
The most acute need is the Fire Mitigation project and thanks to the generosity of a number of people, the Center has already received donations or commitments to fund this project in full.
The other three Mission Critical projects will require their own funding. Security has been designated the next Mission Critical project needing funding. As the board is in the final stages of approving a security plan for the future safety of the Center’s guests, volunteers, and staff, we expect implementation to begin sometime in 2020.
Thirdly, the Center will need funding for Capital Expenditures for future development projects.
In short, the Center is going to face an ongoing long term need for funds that go well beyond what it currently receives each year. As we all know, Meher Center is Meher Baba’s Home in the West and a Place of Pilgrimage for All Time. It stands as His priceless gift to all of us and it is our collective responsibility to keep it healthy in every way, including helping it meet its financial necessities.
Gifts of any size are appreciated and valued. We thank each of you in advance for any way in which you can be helpful to the Center. Thoughts and questions are most welcome.
