Fig Tree - 2021 Fig Tree Benefits are March 5 and March 10

The Fig Tree benefits March 5 and 10 are virtual

The Fig Tree Benefits with speakers addressing the 2021 theme, "Beyond Words: Doing Justice" are happening on Zoom Friday, March 5, and Wednesday, March 10.

The Lunch-Time Zoom gathering March 5 opens at 11:30 a.m., with opportunity to gather in conversation groups with hosts who invite them or with random groups. The approximately 40-minute program begins at noon, followed by returning to groups to donate and converse before a closing, announcing progress toward the goal.

Speakers for the Lunch-Time Benefit are Holocaust survivor Carla Peperzak, Dishman Hills director Jeff Lambert, Tenants Union-Spokane director Terri Anderson, and NAACP Spokane first vice president Kurtis Robinson.

The Breakfast-Time Zoom gathering March 10 begins at 7:30 a.m., also with gathering in groups before the 40-minute program begins at 8 a.m., followed by group time to donate and converse before a common closing, announcing the amount donated.

The Breakfast-Time Benefit speakers are League of Women Voters member Susan Hales, holistic healing doctor Toby Hallowitz, NAACP Spokane president Kiantha Duncan and KPBX host Verne Windham.

Nathan Slabaugh, who has done benefit videos in the past, is preparing a video with sharing from Episcopal Bishop Gretchen Rehberg, Calvary Soup Kitchen founder Peggy Troutt, Whitworth history professor Dale Soden, Gonzaga's Hate Studies Institute director Kristine Hoover, AHANA-MEBA founder Ben Cabildo and Spokane Riverkeeper Jerry White.

The video, videos of extended comments of those who share in the video, and recordings of the speakers will be posted on YouTube through thefigtree.org after the benefit events to share The Fig Tree story.

In 1984, Mary Stamp and Holy Names Sister Bernadine Casey co-founded The Fig Tree—with what was then the Spokane Christian Coalition. In 2001, it became an independent nonprofit. Since 2006, it has also published the now 48-year-old Resource Directory.

"As part of covering the faith and nonprofit communities, we move people beyond the words in print and online to build understanding, and explore how lives and views intersect on faith, justice and ethics issues, Mary said.

Writers and editors include reflection and encourage dialogue, she added. The goal is also to help individuals and groups network, pool ideas and resources, and join in common action locally and globally.

The Resource Directory connects people and builds awareness of the many ways the faith, nonprofit and civic communities serve. In 2016, The Fig Tree publishes 16,000 copies with the help of community partners/underwriters.

Those interested in attending may sign up at event@thefigtree.org or at www.thefigtree.org or may register for the March 5 benefit at https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-fig-tree/2021-fig-tree-march-benefits/lunch-time-benefit or for the March 10 benefit at https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-fig-tree/2021-fig-tree-march-benefits/breakfast-time-benefit.

Guests may donate by check, text THEFIGTREE to 44321, or give online at Give Lively (Stripe), by PayPal, or on Facebook.

For information, call 535-1813 or email event@thefigtree.org. RSVP to receive link.