Highlights

Pledge your wall donation using this form

Make donations to the building fund via Zelle : sibc.buildingfund@gmail.com

Background

In year 2024, SIBC aims to enhance our temple by building a concrete wall to replace the existing fence. The estimated cost for this project is $35,000 to $40,000. We have established a dedicated capital account to collect funds exclusively for this project, ensuring full transparency. All raised funds will be used solely for the wall construction, while all Katina expenses will be covered by two patron families.

SIBC serves as a vital cultural and community hub for the Sri Lankan community, as well as a place of worship for Buddhists. Many lasting friendships and community bonds have been formed here. It is also a place where our children can connect with their heritage and take pride in their roots. In keeping with traditional Sri Lankan aesthetics, we plan to adorn the wall with cloud-shaped structures (“Walakulu Bamma”).

2024 Project: Concrete Wall Construction

• Location: Along 51st Ave S, replacing the current fence.
• Dimensions: Approximately 160 ft in length.
• Current Gate: Will remain in place.
• Cloud Adornments: Not included in the initial construction but will be considered in future enhancements (phase 2).
• Durability: 50 year life, low maintenance, ability to support cloud structure

Project Estimates and Timeline

• Cost: Initial estimates are $35,000+.
• Timeline: Start date upon securing full funding. The project is expected to take 4-6 weeks once commenced.

Project Funding

• Planning and Management: Volunteers from the Kodituwakku and Ratnayake families.
• Funding Sources: Donations, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts.

• Fundraising Events: Few planned are below. Seeking more community leaders/events:

  • Wall Project Pledge (Ven Sanga Saba, all friends of SIBC)
  • Food Festival (Dayaka Sabha)
  • Community Bowling Night (Chandima & Dayantha)

How You Can Help

Pledge your wall donation here

• Pay via : sibc.buildingfund@gmail.com.
• Participate in Fundraisers: Join and support community fundraising events.
• Lead a Fundraising : Help SIBC reach $40,000 goal; organize & raise funds.

Your support is crucial to making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a lasting legacy for our community.

Images

Current Fence

The current fence proposed to replace (July 2024)

Proposed Wall - Front and Top

Proposed Phase 1 : This is example 4 foot wall proposed for phase 1. Pending review of ability to withhold a cloud. Approximately 160ft in length. Final wall may look different.	Proposed Phase 2 : Add cloud topper to wall. Below is the potential cloud structure considered. Appropriate material and feasibility under review. Final cloud may look different. 16 inch Height, 20 inch width, 5 inch depth.

FAQ (last updated : August 2024)

Purpose - Why are we focusing on this project?

Is the fund raising for Katina?

All raised funds will be used solely for the wall construction, while all Katina expenses will be covered by Kodituwakku and Ratnayake families who are patrons for Katina.

Who proposed this project for 2024?

Ven. Pangananda and the Sanga proposed this as it presents a unique opportunity to integrate Sri Lankan cultural aesthetics to SIBC. In keeping with traditional Sri Lankan aesthetics, we plan to adorn the wall with cloud-shaped structures (“Walakulu Bamma”). Other projects proposed by Dayaka Saba were also considered.

I am not a devotee, why are you reaching out to me?

SIBC serves as a vital cultural and community hub for the Sri Lankan community, as well as a place of worship for Buddhists. Many lasting friendships and community bonds have been formed here. It is also a place where our children can connect with their heritage and take pride in their roots to Sri Lanka. eg. During Easter bombing crisis in Sri Lanka SIBC hosted a community gathering with Ven Pangnanda’s leadership for all faiths and nationalities. SIBC throughout the year hosts secular events such as Avrudu, community lunches etc.

Is this the most urgent project for SIBC?

Currently there is urgent need to relace the broken fence. This presents a unique opportunity for SIBC to bring a Sri Lankan Cultural look currently missing. Furthermore this effort is laying the foundation for future large projects with the creation of a separate account for capital projects and expanding donation options to DAF and stocks.

What the role of Katina patrons in this project?

Ven. Pangananda asked that the 2 families lead this project to completion before October with the help of entire community, Sanga. He asked that they manage all stakeholders (including contractors, donors etc) so that Ven. can be free to concentrate on his religious and philanthropic activities here and in Sri Lanka. They may reach out to you on behalf of Sanga to ask for help.

Project Details - What are we building?

Why did you decide on a wall, which is more expensive than a fence?

Few options were considered are below.

• Composite fence ($30k) -no cultural look,15 year life, easy maintenance, residential look
• Aluminum fence with laser cut cloud ($35k) - 35 year life, easy maintenance, industrial look
• Concrete wall that can hold a cloud ($40k) - 50 year life, low maintenance, cultural look

While upfront cost is high, over a longer time horizon concrete wall offers better value as well as cultural aesthetics. Hence Ven Pangananada decided on a concrete wall.

Why is the wall 4 feet?

This will avoids lengthy permitting process required in City of Tukwila which can take up to 6-12 months.

Why do you need funds by August 31, we usually donate for Katina in October?

The project needs $40k to start & engage a contractor. Contractors recommend we complete before the rains start. Hence construction need to start in Sep or earlier, which means we need all funds to be in place before Aug 31. Ven Pangananga, Katina Patrons, Dayaka Saba have pledged not to raise loans for this project. These funds are for the wall not Katina. Once the project funds are met, you may continue to donate to SIBC general fund or future building fund projects throughout the remaining year and beyond.

What happens if we don’t collect $40k before Aug 31?

The fund raising will continue until fund need is met (beyond Oct 2024 however long it takes) and contractor will be engaged when the funds are cleared and available. At that time an appropriate begin date will be established with contractor based on weather. Project will require new quotes (likely higher cost) if it slips the Sep projection.

Donations - How do we plan to raise the money?

$40k is a fairly large fund target for such a short amount of time, how are we planning to meet it ? While this is a medium size project for Seattle area (eg. bathroom project cost $30k last year), it is a large amount for a short window. We plan to raise funds as follows :

• $6k from 2 community events planned
• $5-10k from small/medium contributions $1-999
• $24-31k from large contributions $1000-5000+

We encourage everyone to contribute what you are comfortable. We may add other events or extend to next year if we don’t meet our goal in time.

I don’t have zelle, can I direct transfer from my bank ?

Yes you can. Please transfer to Building Fund Account :

• Account number 652730386
• Routing number 325070760

I don’t have cash to donate, can I donate stocks towards the fund ?

Yes you can. If you have highly appreciated stocks you can avoid paying capital gains taxes as well as get a tax deduction on donation. Please allow for 5-10 business days to clear. Please contact Chandima Kodituwakku for more information (425-590-7745).

I want to give to the SIBC general fund instead. Can I still do that during this time ?

Absolutely, we welcome all donations, monthly recurring or one time. More information here https://sibc-tukwila.org/donations/

Can you use Employer Matching funds to pay for the project ?

Employer matching funds through Benevity can only be used for community and civil actions such as volunteering etc. They cannot be used for construction or religious activities. If your employer matches we encourage you to submit your donation receipt to request match or report volunteer hrs. For more information contact Deepal Jayasinghe.

If I am coming to the food festival and bowling event, do I still need to donate ?

Food festival and bowling events are secular (non religious) events. Please attend and bring your friends to extend the reach for our community. These are charitable fundraising events (you get something in return), not donations. Donations are still open to you at any level you are comfortable and much appreciated. Pledge & pay through Aug 30 here. https://tinyurl.com/SIBCwallDonate