Sit For Something: Annual 24hr Community Sit-a-thon
A Fundraiser Supporting Clouds in Water Zen Center
10:30 am on Saturday, May 30th to 10:30am on Sunday, May 31st.
Just as runners gather for a marathon or walk for a cause, we are inviting practitioners and supporters to sit for a cause. Through meditation, we embody the values we want to see in the world—compassion, steadiness, and presence.
And through community support, we sustain a spiritual home where people can practice together.
The first 30 people to create a fundraising page will have their donations matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500! Learn how to set up and share a fundraising page here.
That means, if you raise $500, Clouds will receive $1,000!
Our goal is $50,000. And, thanks to very generous donors, we have AN ADDITIONAL MATCH! Every dollar donated to the Sit-A-Thon will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, with a gift towards paying down the mortgage!!
Why We Sit:
Meditation is often quiet and unseen work, but its impact reaches far beyond the meditation hall. When we sit together, we cultivate:
Peace in a restless world
Compassion for ourselves and others
Wisdom that guides our actions
Community rooted in care and belonging
This Sit-a-Thon is both a spiritual practice and a collective act of generosity.
Sit for Something
Participants are invited to dedicate their practice to something that matters to them.
You might sit for:
Peace
Love
Community
Healing
Justice
Gratitude
Those who are suffering
The wellbeing of our world
When you support a sitter, you support both their intention and the community that sustains this practice.
Our Goal:
Together, we are raising $50,000 to support the programs and operations of Clouds in Water Zen Center.
Your donation helps sustain:
Meditation instruction and Dharma teachings
Community practice opportunities
Interfaith and community partnerships
A welcoming refuge for spiritual practice in our city
The next generation of practitioners and teachers
Every gift helps keep the doors open for anyone seeking stillness, wisdom, and belonging.
A Simple Practice, A Powerful Impact
In a noisy world, sitting still can be a radical act.
Each breath.
Each moment of awareness.
Each act of generosity.
Together they create something powerful.
Sit for Something.
Donate today and support a community dedicated to mindfulness, compassion, and awakening.
About Clouds in Water
Clouds in Water Zen Center is a vibrant urban community in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition dedicated to awakening the heart of great wisdom and compassion, ending systemic oppression, and cultivating joy. Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, we welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. As a non-profit organization, we operate primarily on donations and no one is turned away for lack of funds for any of our classes, retreats, or events.
Why Support Our Work?
While the Twin Cities has several Zen Buddhist communities, Clouds in Water Zen Center is unique in advancing a broad social justice and racial justice agenda informed and supported by Zen philosophy and frameworks.
Clouds is passionate about creating and maintaining a thriving sangha that celebrates diversity and inclusion. From our services and classes throughout the week to our LGBTQ support, BIPOC sitting group, Racial Awareness Groups, Friday Night Zen, 12-Step Mindfulness Group, Youth & Family Program, and more.
About Me and Why I'm Sitting
As Buddhists, when we sit, we actually sit for ALL beings. We believe in the ripple effect of this practice to bring more peace, love, and justice to our hurting planet. We know of no other practice that can meet what we're up against with such grace, resilience, courage, and tenderness.
You can learn more about our work on our website - and feel free to email me with any questions you have: www.cloudsinwater.org | eisho@cloudsinwater.org, Finance and Fund Development Director.
🙏 May you be happy, healthy, safe, and at ease in 2026 and beyond!