Over twenty years ago I met a great teacher.  Her main lesson was to do selfless service… to give to the needy, downtrodden and forgotten.  She explained that by giving without seeking any advantage from our gift is a form of doing the highest service for God.  When we act this way, we free ourselves from many of our petty problems and experience a taste of enlightenment.  My teacher is known as the “hugging saint”… her name is  Mata Amritanadamayi or Ammachi.  She visits annually and will be in NYC at the Manhattan Center July 4-6.

With my lesson of selfless service tried and tested, I started a community service foundation 13 years ago.  It started with a simple surf contest, the proceeds of which went to needy families with cancer on the East End.  The first year we raised over $10,000.  We have put on this contest annually since then (this year it is Aug. 7th at Ditch Plains beach in Montauk).  We also have used other venues such as dinners, art auctions, raffles and letters to raise over $300,000.  100% of the proceeds go to families in which a member has cancer and are getting behind in their bills.  None of our volunteers get reimbursed for gas, phone or stamps… anything.  They do it for the “aloha spirit” and the understanding that this money saves people from losing their homes.  On a few occasions, these gifts have literally been a life saver.  All recipients share how lost they felt before our help and how uplifted they were to be supported by their community.

The name is simply the East End Foundation.  If you would like to give a gift, we have non profit status and you will receive a tax deduction form from us.  The address is PO Box 1746, Montauk, NY 11954.

I’m a lucky guy to be a part of this foundation and see the good it creates.  I’m also lucky to have a business that works with nature organically where we create healthier and more beautiful environments.  In addition, I am grateful to have Paul Wagner as a new partner in Treewise.  His knowledge of soil biology, plant pathology and the fact that he is just a great guy makes going to work a pleasure.  I have peace knowing that we are always pushing to be ahead of the trade in the results we achieve.

This is the first time that I have sent you a letter like this.  Let me know your thoughts about it and thank you for being part of the solution to a greener, healthier world.

Enhancing nature’s beauty is our passion; enabling nature’s power is our profession.

Roger Feit

www.treewiseorganics.com