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Board of Directors

Board of Directors

CLU: Board Member

“I am honored to share my family’s heritage, contribute my centers of influence, and my business experience to gain US recognition of the Hela Bima Rice Project.”

Louis A. Gardner, CLU, is widely known in the Independent Financial Planning industry through his many years of working with major insurers in management, case design, and product shaping capacity.

Beginning in 1987, Louis helped Pacific Life develop and distribute the first Variable Universal Life product accessible to the Broker/Dealer Community. His roles with Nationwide Insurance Company, and Vice President of Brokerage for New York Life, gave Louis product expertise to assist clients with complex advanced design services and product placement.

Today, Louis blends his professional expertise with a deep-seated 400-year history in the farming industry as a visionary and board member with Hela Bima. 

Though he is not a farmer, the fact that his family has farmed the same piece of land for generations gives Louis pride to say he has farming in his blood. Reflecting on his formative years, Louis touts the efforts of his elder who was a champion of the elderly and responsible for placing into legislation The Meals on Wheels program. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) campus in Atlanta, GA, is named in his honor.

He mentions this because his family’s farmer background recognizes an opportunity to help when needed. The rice farmers in Sri Lanka lived in trees, and their children had no schools.  That condition has changed since Louis and his peers decided to involve themselves in this project. 

“Just as conditions changed for rice farmers in Sri Lanka, our customers who gain nourishment from the rice realize the gift was from the farmers all along. To grow, harvest, and distribute ancient grains is an incredible gift of love from these most humble people.”    

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Louis Gardner

President

Board of Directors

Secretary

“I am privileged to have met Dr. Jayanath Abeywickrama who opened my eyes and heart to the poverty-stricken farmers of Sri Lanka.  With this inspiration, I launched the Hela Bima Rice Project to raise awareness of the farmers’ ancient sustainable farming methods with a goal to become a template for all rice-growing nations to grow healthy, wholesome food for our world without the use of chemical and harmful fertilizers.”

Shari Chase is the Founder and CEO of Chase International, a globally recognized luxury real estate firm. She oversees ten offices in the Lake Tahoe-Reno-Truckee region and has an office in London.

Admired and recognized throughout the industry for her passion, Shari has a gift for visioning and inspiring people to achieve life-changing results. She supports a Global Community, serving thousands of human beings worldwide. Her work experience emphasizes the relationship between personal and social change by creating a networking environment in which all people thrive.

Shari has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, awarded “The Life-Time Achievement Award” by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, and named “One of the 35 most influential people in luxury Real Estate” by Unique Homes.  

In addition to her award-winning career and unparalleled impact in the real estate business, Shari has been a student of Dr. Jayanath Abeywickrama, a Sri Lankan Ayurvedic physician, spiritual healer, teacher, and author.

Her own life was energized when she visited Sri Lanka and met the poverty-stricken farmers who magically brought her abundance to share with the world. This led to the idea and establishment of the non-profit, Hela Bima World. Hela Bima World is the umbrella for Rankema Healing Wisdom which hosts the Rankema World Summit that provides the opportunity for self-discovery and self-realization to bring about JOY, HEALTH and SUCCESS for all lives.

Collectively, it is her life purpose to serve, support, and expand peoples’ consciousness to live a better life and make a difference for all human beings in a very complicated world. The cycle of abundance thrives in Shari’s life.

“Our team continues to energize Hela Bima World to support Sri Lankan farmers who are growing 2000- year-old ancient varieties of rice without the use of chemicals and harmful fertilizers. United together, we are a part of something greater than ever imagined.”

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Shari Chase

Vice President & Secretary

Board of Directors

Board Member

“I became involved in the Hela Bima project because I believe in what they are trying to accomplish – bringing a healthy and natural product to people. Doing this also helps to provide much-needed support to the farmers in Sri Lanka. I am passionate about sharing our brand and mission with others and believe we have the power to influence a better world. “

As the Controller of Chase International, Douglas “Doug” Wacker understands the complexities of managing a prestigious luxury real estate company during fluctuating financial times.  Pair that responsibility with Northern Nevada’s burgeoning growth, and it brings one to understand the ability one must have to be focused on the future. 

Fortunately, Doug has survived during the ebb and flow of America’s economic imbalances and uses this experience to help private businesses and non-profit organizations prosper today.

With his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Economics, his involvement as the Chief Business Officer of Creative ChildCare / TEAM Charter Schools, to his leadership position with Chase International, Doug has acquired the skills and insight to help guide Hela Bima to a financially-sound and sustainable organization.

It is my desire to share my professional experience in accounting and finance to provide additional insight and support to better account for all our financial needs. I feel that my extensive background in Non-Profit accounting will also be of great benefit to Hela Bima. I am very passionate about what I do … and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary project.  

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Doug Wacker

Treasurer

Board of Directors

Board Member

“I am passionate about sharing our brand and mission with others and believe we have the power to influence a better world.”

As an Environmental Studies graduate of the University of Montana, Kelly is strongly aligned with the community-minded and self- development ideals that are being fostered among the farmers who grow rice under the Rankema brand in Sri Lanka.  She recognizes the need for ecologically responsible farming methods, using traditional seed varieties free of harmful chemicals.

It is the mission of the Hela Bima organization to support rice farmers in Sri Lanka that sparked Kelly’s interest. 

Kelly is based in the North Lake Tahoe region where she works as Project Leader for Hela Bima World. She began attending Dr. Abey’s Wisdom Teachings and Events in 2015.  Dr. Abey’s loving and kind spirit and his powerful healing drew her to follow his event schedule and attend any opportunity she could to sit with him in meditation and mantra.

As a Colorado native, Kelly was raised with an appreciation for the outdoors. She first came to Lake Tahoe to work as a ski and snowboard instructor and has since reached out to the non-profit community with the desire to give back.

Today, she is dedicated to promoting Hela Bima’s mission of “energizing the world for healthy living.”  After spending five years connected to the programs of Hela Bima World, she offers her expertise in communication and public relationship to increase the awareness and channels of rice distribution for the Hela Bima Rice Project.

“As the project continues to expand, we are seeking volunteers and ambassadors with a passion for creating change in the world.  Those interested are encouraged to contact me about opportunities to help expand the organization’s sales footprint and bring our ancient and blessed rice to more communities.”    

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Kelly Hong

Board Member

Board of Directors

Board Member

“I am honored to have the opportunity to share my connections, dedication, and distribution expertise to enrich the lives of the farmers in Sri Lanka and the consumers who purchase our products.”

As an award-winning insurance executive, Peter Feldenheimer brings a wealth of connections and business savvy to the Hela Bima Project. 

For over 50 years, he has been a trusted advisor to individuals, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations designing and implementing qualified and non-qualified retirement and health and welfare plans for clients throughout the United States.

Today, as CEO and Founder of Peter Feldenheimer and Associates, Peter and his team provide creative designs and implement life insurance products that are used in the retention of key executives and provide Non-qualified Deferred Compensation for select individuals.

Peter’s offices are in Menlo Park, California, with strong partnerships that develop customized plan designs to ensure maximum savings through cost reductions in the corporate field. His company is based on the principle that education and understanding of their clients’ current financial situation is vital to their success.  With this insight, Peter offers his advice to help Hela Bima World to ensure their investments mirror the organizations’ purpose and mission.

He is currently providing benefits for the National Association of Realtors, select members of the National Football League, and National Basketball Association. Additional clients include relationships with excellent law firms as well as outstanding CPA firms.

Peter is also a member of the National Association of Distinguished Professionals.  

“Using various forms of traditional and modern-day communication, we have every opportunity to share our story to educate the western world about the invaluable benefits of our products, how they are produced, and the overall mission of the Hela Bima World.

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Peter Feldenheimer​

Board Member

Board of Directors

President

“Hela Bima World nourishes my soul and heart.  Throughout this outstanding organization, I am able to provide my expertise to support the farmers of Sri Lanka and their generations to come.”

Bernard W. Bunning is Global Managing Partner for BBRS, LLP, a multi-disciplined and multi-state CPA firm that dates back to 1957. BBRS, LLP, was also recognized as a top-eight CPA firm in the country by Goldline Research as profiled in FORBES magazine in December 2009.

He is responsible for managing corporate finance engagements, including mergers and acquisitions, company divestitures, business architectural and wealth advisory group, and the tax litigation group.

As a Business Architect, Bernie also creates and advises clients on business structures, models, implementation, and planning considerations by creating individualized, tailored strategies. He has more than 35 years of experience in business appraisal, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, litigation support, and planning for high net worth individuals. Throughout his career, he has successfully defended his, conclusions as an expert in his areas of expertise with state taxation agencies, the Internal Revenue Service, and Federal and State Courts.

Bernie was previously a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) registered representative as well as an Investment Banker. He is currently pursuing an advanced law degree in International Tax & Financial Services through the Walter H. & Dorothy B. Diamond Graduate Program at Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
“As president of this non-profit organization, I am looking forward to be able to provide guidance and assistance with new methods of microlending.  This is a beautiful project that can lead to a healthier, happier, and sustainable life for the farmers, and consumers of our rice products as well.”

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Bernard Bunning

Board Member

Board of Directors

Board Member

“I have a personal interest in regenerative agriculture and development and have worked around the world refining my understanding and recharging my passion for Permaculture and Regenerative farming.  My background provides me with the opportunity to share my knowledge to enrich the present organization of Hela Bima – and its future.”

 

Bonnie Bibas has a degree in psychology and an established career in television advertising and production, yet it is her list of accomplishments to help feed the hungry and strengthen funding that are unparalleled assets to Hela Bima.

 

Highlights of her natural health science involvement include her work with the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organizations where she personally distributed drought-resistant seeds in India and Haiti.  It was in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake where she worked with a small team to bring regenerative ag and housing supplies to communities on La Gonave and the mainland.  During which time, she helped facilitate the first Permaculture Certification Course for Haitians and trained locals to build Earthbag sustainable housing.

 

Bonnie also founded and was involved with various development aid projects in East Africa. During this phase of her impressive career, she worked to help empower indigenous members of tribal communities maintain a regenerative self-sustaining way of life. 

 

She serves on the Standards Committee of the Non-GMO Project and as an advisor to Everflux, a farm waste microbial organic liquid fertilizer producer.  Collectively, she holds a certificate in Sustainable Practices from the Green MBA program at Dominican University and is a graduate of the Environmental Forum of Marin, SF Urban Permaculture Institute, and the Nature Guide Training at WildCare in Marin County. 

 

“Throughout my entire life I have learned to appreciate the nutritional assets of regenerative nutrient- dense native food-based plants. The Hela Bima project has inspired me to ensure missions like ours are passed on to generations to come.”  

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Bonnie Bibas

Board Member

Board of Directors

Board Member

Julie Kozich is a consultant and luxury specialist with Chase International, a leading real estate brokerage that believes in better. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, Julie has a proven track record of creating and implementing innovative solutions that drive growth, profitability, and excellence for real estate brokerages and agents across the country.

Julie is also the founder and CEO of Origin Real Estate Consulting, where she empowers people to successfully use the best marketing tools and sales techniques needed to succeed in this ever-changing market. Julie is a certified luxury home marketing specialist and a million dollar guild member, recognized as one of the top real estate newsmakers and hall of fame inductees by RISMedia. Julie is passionate about transforming the norm for the good of all involved, and shares her unconventional talents and expertise to support charitable events and causes in her community.

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Julie Kozich

Board Member

Board of Directors

CSPG, CFRE: Advisor

“The project appeals to me on many levels, including both the nutritional and spiritual value of the rice, but I am most excited about helping the farmers in Sri Lanka. This incredibly unique and impactful effort was a miracle, only made possible through the unique alliance of Dr. Abey and Shari Chase.  I am a big fan.”

From 2000 to present, Chris Askin has been the executive leader of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada. He manages all aspects of the Foundation. As CEO and sole development officer, he manages the staff team while securing planned and major gifts.

Under Chris’s leadership, the foundation assets have grown from $576,000 in June 2000 to $71 million while distributing more than $68 million in grants. As a certified specialist in planned giving, he secured an additional estimated $50 million in planned gift expectancies that will be received in the future. Foundation administrative expenses are under 1% with a balanced budget annually. The Foundation met COF National Standards since 2007.

Before leading the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, Chris’s management experience focused on non-profits and community-serving organizations. He was the Executive Director of the Reno Family YMCA and Senior Program Director of the YMCA in South Pasadena and La Jolla, California. Chris gained development experience while working for the Sierra Business Council in Truckee, California, 1998 to 2000, at the National Benevolent Association in Reno and Las Vegas 1990 to 1993 and grant writing experience at the Community Services Agency 1988 to 1990.

Chris Askin attended the University of Nevada, Reno graduate studies in accounting and business law and graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Recreation Administration with an emphasis on Youth and Family Agencies.  

“My expertise is in non-profit administration, fundraising, and program operations, and these are the areas in which I can help the Hela Bima Project prosper for many years to come.

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Chris Askin

CSPG, CFRE: Advisor

Board of Directors

Board Member

Cindy Ranne Bio

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Cindy Ranne

Board Member

Board of Directors

Board Member

Star Brooks

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Star Brooks

Board Member

Hela Bima World is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Nevada. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Tax ID#: 46-3987940

Copyright 2025 Hela Bima World