LET TODAY BE A NEW START WFWP INTERNATIONAL BANQUET
On March 16th, WFWP International hosted a celebratory dinner banquet in midtown Manhattan, attended by over a hundred people including representatives from more than 20 WFWP chapters from around the world. Professor Yeon Ah Moon, WFWP International President, called men and women of all ages to come together and enjoy a night full of delicious food, fellowship, and entertainment. The environment was full of high spirit. The room was tastefully decorated; and colorful centerpieces, spring flowers, and candles adorned the tables. Everyone, including the young people and couples, came over to not only spend time with friends and family, but also to celebrate people's efforts to recognize the value of women.
WFWP leaders pause for a photo
The program started out with welcoming remarks from Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Chairman of FFWPU North America, who then introduced Professor Moon to give the keynote address. Dr. Kim and Dr. Michael Balcomb, FFWPU USA President, presented her with an award to recognize and thank her for all the hard work that she has done. Professor Moon talked about the importance of empowering women to become future leaders and of passing down the work of WFWP to the next generation. "We have matured enough, if we consider the years, so I think this is really a new stage of life for WFWP. We have to be real mothers for others and for the world. In that way, in the role of mothers, WFWP will focus on raising and educating the next generation. We really want to prepare a good foundation for the next generation's peace and happiness. We have done a lot of work in the last 24 years, but it's a new start again from today."
Banquet attendees listening to address
Later that evening, the room was alive with entertainment, as five lively performers took the stage and filled the room with energy. The entertainment included a group of young cello and violin players led by their instructor Jessica Garand, singers Raoul Joseph and Steve Honey singing a set of vibrant and passionate songs, and Seiko Lee performing a few selections, including the Broadway number "I Could Have Danced All Night", which received a standing ovation from the audience and a tearful embrace from Yeon Ah Moon.
The banquet concluded with everyone standing in a circle, holding hands and singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth", a long-standing WFWP tradition. It was a great way to end the event, since all around the room people were smiling. The banquet gave many opportunities for WFWP representatives and guest to connect with one another and express gratitude to those that are working hard to empower other women to be strong, amazing leaders. Hopefully, this event will inspire women and men, both young and older, to be future leaders that serve their communities and, eventually, the world.
Prof. Moon thanking singer Seiko Lee