Plans for a benefit fundraiser in Evanston on Sunday, May 16, for a girls’ school in Tibet took on new urgency today after a severe earthquake struck the region, reportedly destroying the school.
Plans for a benefit fundraiser in Evanston on Sunday, May 16, for a girls’ school in Tibet took on new urgency today after a severe earthquake struck the region, reportedly destroying the school.
The 6.9 magnitude quake struck at 7:49 a.m. Wednesday morning in Tibet (6:49 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago) when many people were still at home and schools were just starting their day, according to a report on CNN.
The New York Times reports as many as 10,000 people have been injured.
The founder of the school, Evanston resident Asang, who with his wife, Nancy Floy, operates the Tsogyaling Meditation Center of Evanston, said he’s learned that some members of his family died in the disaster and several students at the school are dead or missing.
School supporters say the top priority now is to raise money to help care for survivors and rebuild their homes and the school.
The Tibet Girls School, for young women ages 14 to 20, opened in 2008 to help nomadic yak hearding families provide more opportunities for the next generation.
Teachers provide healthcare information, especially the use of birth control. The students are taught sewing, weaving and other handicrafts, as well as business and computer skills.
The fundraiser is to be held Sunday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Cellar at the Stained Glass Bistro, 820 Clark St. Tickets, available online, are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.