In a surprise gesture, some of the revenue from the Dalai Lama's visit to Charlottesville is going to area nonprofits.
The October visit brought in almost $380,000 in revenue, with a net profit of about $237,000.
On Wednesday, a team of organizers announced they will give a portion of those profits to 11 organizations that embody compassion. Some of the nonprofits include Service Dogs of Virginia, the canine fund for the Albemarle County Police Foundation, and The Haven.
"Their beliefs really intersect with ours at The Haven, and this money will really go a long way in supporting a healthy locally sourced breakfast for folks who oftentimes are denied the nutrition that they really deserve," said Eleis Lester, kitchen manager at The Haven.
The nonprofits will share $95,000. The total expenses were about $143,000.
A list of all 11 organizations follows:
- Arura Medicine of Tibet in Charlottesville
- The Charlottesville Free Clinic: The Dental Clinic
- Virginia Institute of Autism: Adult Services
- Charlottesville Fire Department: Health and Wellness Program for Firefighters
- Tibetan Sunday School in Charlottesville
- Children Youth and Family Services
- The Haven of the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless
- Foothills Child Advocacy Center
- Service Dogs of Virginia
- The County of Albemarle Police Foundation: Canine Fund
- Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Virginia
