LIVING FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS, A LEGACY OF LOVE APPRECIATION MOVES PATERSON, NEW JERSEY

I see you and I appreciate you. This was the simple and yet powerful message that the WFWP Paterson New Jersey Chapter conveyed to the ten charitable organizations honored on December 1st at the Living for the Sake of Others: A Legacy of Love event.

Now in its second year, this annual event highlights grassroot organizations from the city of Paterson that continually serve and improve their community. WFWP Paterson works closely with these groups, assisting them with volunteer work, co-hosting events with them, but primarily by contributing thousands of goods such as coats, backpacks, toys, clothing, hygiene products and more.

Rev. Ki Yeal Lee warmly welcomed the more than 80 guests, including 45 coming from the recognized groups themselves, to his North Haledon Family Church, which graciously opened its doors for this event. Rev. Lee, as pastor of the Korean Evangelical Association, has given a lot of support to WFWP along with his congregation. Among those in attendance were also the honorable mayor of Paterson, Andre Sayegh, as well as Brenda McKoy, wife of Paterson Councilman William McKoy.

After an inspiring spiritual reading by Rev. Dairo Ferraboli of Islamic, Christian and Unificationist words on living for the sake of others, the mayor of Paterson could be seen listening intently to the presentation about the vision of WFWP USA, given by Vice President Katarina Connery. Her presentation gave an in-depth view of the far-reaching work of WFWP as well as a beautiful testament to Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s vision and work.

Awards and proclamations were given to the volunteer organizations by Mayor Sayegh and Mrs. Connery on behalf of the city of Paterson and WFWP USA respectively. Honorees were blown away by the recognition, some even in tears, grateful that the work they were doing was being noticed and appreciated.

The mayor of the Borough of Carlstadt, the city that WFWP Paterson Chairwoman Claire Haider calls home, proclaimed December 1st “Women’s Federation for World Peace Day.”

A coffee break followed, with all the desserts you could imagine, from sugar-free to sweet and decadent. Guests were able to mingle and enjoy entertainment by our own Cynthia Nakai from the Hackensack, NJ Chapter who delighted everyone with her beautiful accordion playing. Award winning beatboxer SungBeats dazzled the audience with his quick beatboxing skills.

The congratulatory address was then given by Mayor Sayegh, recognizing the groups as well as WFWP for taking care of these groups and the Paterson community. This led to a cake cutting, toast and final closing remarks by Claire Haider as organizer of the event. The Paterson mayor was given goodies and gifts for his family, surprised and thankful that even his wife and children had been considered.

Guests left with their bellies and hearts full, receiving individual gifts as well as bags and bags of toys and other items for Christmas to distribute to those aided by their organizations. The spirit felt was that of the warmth of close family members.

Many honorees were overwhelmed with gratitude, thanking the WFWP members for such a beautiful and thoughtful event, which told them that we see them, we value them and they deserve recognition for their powerful volunteer work that may sometimes go unnoticed.