In response to the “You Run, We Donate” campaign, the BLIA Chicago Chapter hosted the “VEGERUN: Pure Love and Vegan Awareness Run” on June 7 at the Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva, Illinois. Fifty-two BLIA members and guests participated, covering a combined distance of 253 miles through running and walking to promote green health. Distinguished guests, including Director-General Yen-Feng Lei of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago and Director Chi-Ying Tsai of the Culture Center of TECO in Chicago, attended to support the event.
On the day of the activity, participants walked, ran, or cycled across the Fox River pedestrian bridge, enjoying the scenery of yellow irises, the Dutch Windmill, and the Japanese Garden. After the run, the group toured the Fabyan Villa, a century-old residence renovated by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which added a layer of cultural and historical depth to the event.
In his remarks, Director-General Yen-Feng Lei noted that the event not only promotes carbon reduction through a vegetarian diet but also helps purify the body and mind. He personally pledged to support the “Vege Plan A” by committing to a vegetarian meal every Monday. Head Priest Venerable Yung Han encouraged the assembly to practice the “Three Acts of Goodness” (Do good deeds, Say good words, Think good thoughts) as a practical implementation of “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation.” The event opened with a bilingual recitation of “A Prayer for the Natural Environment” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
The entire event embodied low-carbon principles: participants enjoyed homemade vegan burgers, brought their own reusable utensils and water bottles, and downloaded the prayer text on their phones to remain paperless, demonstrating a true commitment to green action.
Before the start, Chicago YAD President Bin-Yi Wang and White Elephant Executive Bin-Xin Wang led a warm-up session. Following the run, a “Noble Eightfold Path Flag Race” was held to teach Buddhist concepts through play. Various fun activities, such as badminton, hula hoops, bean bag tosses, and rope skipping, were available for all ages. Vice President of the Third Subchapter, Dao-Xuan Zhang, provided blood pressure checks and exercise consultations to ensure everyone’s well-being.
During the vegan feast, participants sat on the grass to share delicious food, experiencing a sense of the “Pure Land in the present moment.” Biao-Jin Xu, Superintendent of the Third Subchapter, brought 11 family members ranging from age 10 to 75 and specially prepared homemade king oyster mushroom burgers for the group. Chapter Director Yu-Ya Wang and member Ying-Yan Li expressed that “embracing nature and immersing oneself in the fresh air was incredibly refreshing.” Twelve-year-old first-time participant Amrita Paintal enjoyed the variety and fun of the outdoor activities, while Vicky Tian from Wisconsin praised the event for its meaningful combination of fitness and environmental protection.
President Ke-Ying Wang thanked all participants and volunteers for their dedication, which led to a successful event. He emphasized that this run was just the beginning of a journey toward compassion. Based on the total mileage achieved, the chapter will donate funds to the West Suburban Community Pantry in Chicago to continue the cycle of kindness.