CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
On December 11, 2011 the Development and Funding Team headed by Mrs. Michiyo Rurup held its first major fundraiser, Christmas Around the World. Located at the Lovin’ Life Fellowship Hall, the event was attended by approximately 350 adults and young people and over 200 children. The venue turned out to be too small for the amount of people who came.
Christmas Around the World was meant to display cultures and foods from around the world. Donations of food and items for sale came from sisters from Korea, Japan, Latin America, Africa, the Philippines, the Caribbean, India, USA and so on. The event included a performances by volunteers and vendors with different items for sale. Children from various cultures presented different performances including a Korean drumming group and the Jin-A New Hope School choir.
One young man volunteered to be Santa Claus and many young people volunteered in various areas, making the event a beautiful blend of families. With the advocacy of Mrs. Luella Santelli, even the New Yorker Hotel donated a gift worth $650, which was won by a guest who just read about the event in the newspapers. The event was such a beautiful success that the Lovin’ Life Ministries local pastor, Dr. Ann Iparaguirre, requested to co-sponsor the event next year. Vendors included the Korean Evangelical Association and local community members. The spirit was very festive and happy.
