Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham
As of Mid October 2025 - March 2026, there will be no personnel to answer forms and emails. The website will be outdated until then. We apologize for any inconveniences.
President
at Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham
Presented by Pany Chounlapane
Leading with Heart
As President of Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham, Pany Chounlapane leads with unwavering dedication and a welcoming spirit. Under our Monk's Guidance, our temple has transformed from humble beginnings to a vibrant cultural center, culminating in the ambitious Sala Hongdham Hall project. "We are gathering from all over the country, everybody here to come join the unity," Pany often says, embodying her commitment to creating a spiritual home where everyone feels welcome. Her hands-on leadership and accessibility, even sharing her personal phone number with community members, demonstrate her deep investment in preserving Lao heritage while building bridges across cultures.
The Difference You Make
Story
A Sacred Vision Emerges
In 1994, Laotian refugees in Rochester stood on 61 acres of discarded dreams, a junkyard littered with concrete, old tires, and debris. Where others saw waste, these families envisioned a spiritual home.
With calloused hands and hearts full of longing for their homeland, they began clearing the land. Each piece of junk removed was replaced with hope. Each tire hauled away made room for tradition to take root.
During COVID-19, when the world retreated inward, this community took their boldest step yet. They broke ground on Sala Hongdham Hall, not just constructing walls and a roof, but building a living bridge between their past and future.
Today, where trash once collected, children learn their ancestral language. Where tires were piled, New York's largest Lao-Thai food festival brings communities together. Where refugees once felt displaced, families now gather to celebrate births, honor deaths, and preserve the cultural legacy that traveled with them across oceans.
This is more than a building project. It's the story of refugees transforming discarded land into sacred space, creating something beautiful and lasting in their new homeland.
Donations
Join the 1000 Sacred Hearts Campaign
Your contribution supports Wat Pa Lao Rochester, New York's largest Lao temple, where ancient traditions flourish and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. Help us continue this remarkable journey of faith, community, and cultural preservation.
$828.12 raised
3 donations
568 days left!
1%
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$20
$380
$760
$1,520
Other
0/100
Comment (optional)
Each donation, no matter the size, helps kindle one more sacred heart in our mission to reach 1000 guardians of this timeless knowledge. Together, we're creating a living archive of healing traditions that will benefit generations to come. Your generosity today ensures these sacred flames continue to illuminate our shared human journey.
Tax Benefits
Your donation to 1000 Sacred Hearts may be tax-deductible. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide all donors with a receipt for tax purposes. Consult with your tax advisor to learn how your generous contribution may qualify for tax benefits under current regulations.
Dedications
Honor someone special with your donation. When giving, you can dedicate your contribution in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a milestone, or in honor of someone who embodies the healing spirit we cherish. Include a personalized message, and we'll acknowledge your dedication in our annual report and on our digital donor wall. Your meaningful tribute becomes part of our sacred community, carrying forward the name and spirit of those who inspire you.
Join the Circle
By supporting 1000 Sacred Hearts, you become part of an ancient and unbroken circle of stewards protecting humanity's healing wisdom. Whether through a one-time gift or monthly commitment, your generosity creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see today. Together, we're not just preserving traditions—we're nurturing the seeds of tomorrow's healing practices. Thank you for opening your heart to this sacred work.
Other Options for Donations:
Trust & Transparency
At Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham, we honor your generosity with responsible stewardship. Since our founding in 1994, we've transformed 61 acres from neglected land into a vibrant community center through careful management of resources and transparent operations. Our volunteer-led organization has already paid over USD 800,000 toward our USD 1,000,000+ Sala Hongdham Hall project, demonstrating our commitment to financial responsibility. All donations are tax-deductible under our 501(c)(3) status, and we provide detailed accounting of funds upon request. Our temple has served as a trusted cultural cornerstone for nearly three decades, welcoming visitors from across New York, neighboring states, and Canada. Your contribution supports a community with proven dedication to preserving cultural heritage and creating lasting value for generations to come.
Donate
Join Our 1000 Sacred Hearts
Campaign Today
Your contribution helps complete our temple's journey from humble beginnings to a thriving cultural center. With just USD 380,000 remaining on our loan, every donation brings us closer to securing Sala Hongdham Hall's future for generations to come. Whether you can give USD 20 or USD 380, your generosity preserves Lao cultural traditions and supports a community built by hand with love and determination. Join our 1000 Hearts today, together, we can transform tomorrow. Questions? Contact Pany Chounlapane directly at 585-967-2342 or panyhome@yahoo.com.
Thank you for opening your heart to our community.