Letter from Christina: Sunday benefit was a big success! THANK YOU!!!Christina Fu September 24, 2003 I wish to thank all my friends, neighbors and colleagues who came to the benefit dinner last Sunday to express your support to my husband and to offer comfort to me and to my family. I also want to thank all of you who were unable to be here, but generously made contributions to the Jianli Defense Fund. Over 100 people attended the event, and we raised $6938.00. What a great success! It was so heartening to feel how warm and moving the whole atmosphere was. The room was beautiful, the flowers so fresh and pretty, and the candles gorgeous; Food was fabulous and wine excellent; and the music so harmonious. People were warm and sociable. Our MC - Cindy Rodgers was outstanding, the guest speakers presented beautifully and powerfully. Everything was perfect and graceful. Congressman Barney Frank was very warmly received. He was with us for nearly two hours. After Rev. David Killian of All Saints Parish of Brookline presented him the Distinguished Service Award, everyone in the room stood up and applauded for a long time. Then Congressman Frank gave a passionate speech, and he reassured everyone of his commitment to continuing to work on Jianli's case until he is back home with us. I enjoyed and appreciated what he said. My especial thanks to all the volunteers, who helped from setting up the room, to serving the food, to cleaning up. They were impressively efficient. Thanks to our site manager - Ann Berman for her excellent managing skills, and to all the organizers - Linda Mancini, Nancy Pronovost, Liz Beattie, Tom Craig, Susan Cleaver, Julie Seavy, Farla Russo and Ann Berman - who graciously devoted their time, talents, skills, energy and money in the preparation of this event, which brought together so many friends from Brookline schools, churches, Harvard and Chinese community. You are incredible!!! When we work together and show our passion of care to one another, we make a difference. Thanks to all for your kind support, your powerful prayers, and your generous contributions. Your donations are deeply appreciated and will be well spent on Jianli's legal defense.
With all my heartfelt thanks and great respect to you all, -------------------------- |