UPF Celebration of the Family and Observance of National Parents Day in Las Vegas

[Ken Doo]

UPF Celebration of the Family and Observance of National Parents Day in Las Vegas 

On Saturday, July 20^th a Banquet was held at the International Peace Education Center, Las Vegas. The Banquet was in Celebration of Parents Day in Las Vegas with special emphasis on the importance of Family.

Twenty-six guests were present, with 9 supporting staff. Steve Pierce was a very warm Master of Ceremonies. After an invocation by Pastor Doreen Bajo, and welcoming remarks by Leslie Rigney, ED of UPF Las Vegas, Kinesha McDaniel sang a beautiful song, ‘Heal the World’, written by Michael Jackson.

At dinner, people at the tables shared about who they are and the work that they are doing in the community. Gary Williams volunteered several ‘jazzy’ songs, which brought the Las Vegas spirit of joy in song! After dinner, which was prepared lovingly by our sister, Kyung Sook Okada, each table moderator shared about the people at their table.

A UPF video was shown, followed by several moving testimonies about the ‘Peace Starts with Me’ Festival in Las Vegas on June 22^nd, by Rosemary Flores, UPF Las Vegas, Hispanic Outreach Director, Sheila Collins, community activist, and Karen Greene, who was in the choir.

We then heard from Amalia Portillo, Executive Director of the International Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the role of family in financial success.

Maria Vargas gave a very moving power point regarding the value of the family and the social impact of intact and broken families. To finish her talk, she gave a very heartistic reading of Father Moon’s view of the family. Her talk was very well received by everyone present.

Three Excellence in Parenting Awards were prepared for Fernando and Maria Romero who were very moved to receive it, Rev. and Mrs. Gamboa who could not be present, as well as Gard and Becky Harris (former State Senator). The meaning and history of Parents Day was spoken of by Leslie Rigney.

Katherine Duncan had very much wanted to honor 3 Ambassadors for Peace who had died this last year. She invited their families to attend. We had prepared ‘Legacy Awards’, which were personalized. Each family received the award and then lit a candle next to their picture which was displayed on a side table. The families were very moved and deeply appreciative of this gesture. Thank you, Katherine!

Everyone felt uplifted by the program and many stayed to share with one another after the program.

Respectfully Reported,

Leslie Rigney

UPF Executive Director Las Vegas