Katy Perry, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Jeremy Elliot, and the Celebration Gospel Choir rocked The Anthem in Washington, D.C., on October 11th. The David Lynch Foundation “Silence the Violence” concert played to a packed house to raise funds to teach the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique for free to 10,000 vulnerable youth and their families in Wards 7 and 8.
DLF is partnering with area businesses, community centers, veterans service organizations, schools, church groups, substance abuse recovery centers, and correctional institutions to accomplish this goal. For more about this remarkable project in our nation’s capital, see this Enjoy TM News article. To make a donation, visit this page.
“I’m really here because Transcendental Meditation is, I would say, the number one tool that has changed my life. It’s brought me so much balance and so much peace and stillness.” —Katy Perry
Perry—between performing hit songs like “Rise,” “Roar,” “Chained to the Rhythm,” and “Wide Awake”—spoke about learning the TM technique 10 years ago.
“At first, I was like, ’20 minutes twice a day? Are you crazy? Do you know who I am? Just saying,'” Perry recalled onstage. “Then all of a sudden I started doing it, and I found that I had more time and more energy—like an endless amount of energy—just investing in that 20-minute interval. I’m really here because Transcendental Meditation is, I would say, the number one tool that has changed my life. It’s brought me so much balance and so much peace and stillness.”
Thanks from Veterans and Active-Duty Military
The David Lynch Foundation invited local military personnel and veterans to the concert by donating a large block of tickets to Vet Tix, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to giving back to those who gave us so much” with Tickets for Troops. The following thank-yous are from the “Silence the Violence” page, which has 78 postings.
“My family and I had an amazing time at this event. Being a disabled veteran with PTSD, I learned meditation through the program this event supports. Having people like you that support veterans like me means so much, so thank you!” writes Brad, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1998–2012).
“So grateful to the David Lynch Foundation for the opportunity to attend this magical event!” writes Nate, a wounded veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps (2001–2017). “We had the opportunity to meet Bob Roth briefly after the show. To learn about THEARC and hear some phenomenal musical performances made for a very special night. Thank you David Lynch Foundation and Vet Tix for this experience!”
“Being a disabled veteran with PTSD, I learned meditation through the program this event supports. Having people like you that support veterans like me means so much, so thank you!” —Brad, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
“A huge thank you to the David Lynch Foundation for a beautiful night out with my family at the ‘Silence the Violence’ Benefit concert. The music was amazing!” writes Kristian Palaoro, currently serving in the U.S. Navy. “As a veteran with PTSD, I was intrigued to learn about Transcendental Meditation, and I am excited to try it. Thanks again!”
Find out more about DLF programs for veterans at Operation Warrior Wellness ►
2019 Women of Vision Awards on December 3
The David Lynch Foundation will be honoring Donna Karan, Mary-Louise Parker, Deborra-lee Furness, and Lisa Beatha for their work bringing health and well-being to vulnerable children, veterans with PTSD, and refugees in Haiti and worldwide. The Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan. For tickets or to make a donation, visit Women of Vision. All proceeds will support DLF in providing the TM technique to at-risk children and adults.
Donna Karan, fashion designer and humanitarian
Donna Karan is a world-renowned fashion designer, humanitarian, and creator of the Urban Zen Foundation, which integrates eastern healing modalities with western science through partnerships with institutions like UCLA, Beth Israel Medical Center, and Kent State University. Along with the Clinton Global Initiative, Karan develops and supports sustainable opportunities through Urban Zen’s Haiti Artisan Project. Working directly with artisans, she provides vocational education and job creation, raising awareness of the global market as part of her philanthropic and commerce model for a “soulful economy.”
Deborah-lee Furness, actor, producer, humanitarian
Deborra-lee Furness is an internationally acclaimed actor and a passionate advocate for vulnerable and abandoned children. She founded National Adoption Awareness Week in Australia, and Adopt Change, a not-for-profit organization providing safety and stability for children, and guides many other organizations. For her advocacy work, Furness has been honored by World Wide Orphans in New York and The Joint Council USA, among many other accolades in the United States and Australia, often in partnership with her husband, actor Hugh Jackman.
Lisa Beatha, U.S. Army veteran, Director of Veterans Affairs, CUNY
Lisa Beatha served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War era and trained as a 91 Alpha (Army Medic) at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. She is the Director of Veterans Affairs at the City University of New York (CUNY), facilitating the transition of 3,000 enrolled veterans from the military to academia. She promotes collaboration across campuses and partnerships with communities in order to increase awareness of veterans’ unique needs. Beatha is passionate about issues veterans face, including academic equity for military credentials, postgraduate success, and programs and services for CUNY’s veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and military family members.
Mary-Louise Parker, actor, director, author
Mary-Louise Parker is an award-winning actor, director, and author. She has received a Tony, an Emmy, two Golden Globes, and two Obies, among other awards, for her work on and off Broadway, in television, and in film. Her humanitarian efforts have been recognized by the Los Angeles County Commission, GLAAD, and OUT Magazine, and her work on behalf of the LGBTQ community has been recognized by the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the NYC LGBT Center. Her first book, Dear Mr. You (2015), has been translated into five languages.
Visit 2019 Women of Vision Awards for more information about honorees ►
The Women of Vision Awards will be hosted by Rosanna Scotto, co-host, with Lori Stokes, of Good Day New York on Fox 5 NY, WNYW in New York City.
David Lynch Foundation Recognized by Friendly House
The David Lynch Foundation has brought the TM technique to 1 million children and adults worldwide
The Peggy Albrecht Friendly House honored Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, with its Visionary Award on October 26 during its 30th annual awards luncheon in Los Angeles.
The award recognizes DLF’s work with young people and adults worldwide, as well as its partnership with Friendly House to bring the TM technique to women in recovery. Friendly House provides an environment for women to recover from the devastation of drug and alcohol addiction, and to progress toward healthy families and communities.
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