Community Benefit Lunch: Embracing the World through Service and Compassion
Mark your calendars. On Wednesday, July 23, MA Center Iowa warmly invites you to a Benefit Lunch benefitting Embracing the World, Amma’s global network of national and regional humanitarian initiatives.
When: Wednesday, July 23, 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM
Where: Phoenix Rising Hall (lower level), 207 W Burlington (Burlington and 3rd), Fairfield
Donation: $20 per lunch (additional donations welcome)
Pay at the event by cash, credit card, or check made out to MA Center Iowa
Lunch will be lovingly prepared by guest chef Vaju, with support from MA Center volunteers
Why This Matters
MA Center Iowa opened its doors in December 2024, offering space for both spiritual seekers and meaningful service to the wider community. Since then, the center has hosted devotional chanting, spiritual gatherings, and benefit events that sustain humanitarian work locally and globally.
This Benefit Lunch is part of a tradition of community service. Proceeds support Embracing the World, the international humanitarian movement inspired by Amma that operates in more than 40 countries, working to meet basic human needs including food, shelter, education, healthcare, and disaster relief through compassionate action.
A Glimpse into Embracing the World
Origins and Growth
Embracing the World began in 1989 when Amma redirected construction funds for a spiritual hall to instead care for orphans. This selfless act marked the beginning of what would become a vast global initiative.
Five Focus Areas
- Food, Water, and Shelter
- Education for Everyone
- Healthcare Access
- Women’s Empowerment
- Environmental Protection and Disaster Relief
Proven Impact
In a typical year, Embracing the World provides millions of meals, builds homes, funds scholarships, supports disaster response efforts, and offers free medical care to those in need.
What You’ll Experience on the 23rd
The menu will feature a variety of South Indian vegetarian dishes including idli, medhu vada, mixed vegetable sambar, coconut chutney, kitcheri, cabbage curry, pappadam, dessert, and masala chai. A gluten-free menu is also available.
This lovingly prepared meal will be served in a welcoming space where community connection and compassion come together.
How You Can Participate
Reserve your lunch by registering HERE
Donate $20 or more at the door. Every dollar supports service initiatives near and far
For questions, contact: macenteriowa@ammagroups.org
Join Hands in Love and Service
When Amma embraces someone, it is more than comfort. It is a call to action. Her compassion has inspired a global movement that proves small acts, like serving a meal, can lead to lasting change.
At this Benefit Lunch, you are not just enjoying delicious food. You are actively supporting humanitarian efforts that uplift lives around the world. Your presence matters.
We look forward to sharing a meal with you.
About MA Center Iowa
Located at 51 N Court St in Fairfield, MA Center Iowa is a spiritual sanctuary and community hub. It offers daily archana chanting, satsangs, cultural events, and seva (selfless service) opportunities. Opened in late 2024, it is one of several Amma Centers across North America dedicated to spiritual growth and compassionate action.
See you on July 23
Together, we can embrace the world, one meal at a time
