Surplus funds left over from April's visit of the Dalai Lama to San Diego will be donated to the Monarch School for homeless children, it was announced today.
The Honorable Lama Tenzin Dhonden, the Dalai Lama's personal peace emissary, and executives from San Diego State University, UC San Diego and the University of San Diego said they will present the school with a check for $51,000 on Thursday.
The Dalai Lama spoke to a total of around 20,000 San Diegans in three presentations over two days at the university campuses.
"This generous contribution allows Monarch to continue to support our students growth and learning with the intention that they will follow in the example of significant leaders such as His Holiness,'' said Erin Spiewak, the school's CEO.
The school will use the donation to support a student leadership program being developed to teach students about the importance of civic engagement, leadership and community participation, Spiewak said.
The Monarch School also recently received a $50,000 donation from Skype to improve school communications. Its 150 students are homeless, with some living in shelters or motels and others doubling up with other families.
The Monarch School is currently on West Cedar Street. A new campus is being built on Newton Avenue, between the East Village and Barrio Logan.
