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The 1st Annual Fundraising Gospel Brunch
took place on Sunday, 23 December 2007 in Tilghman Hall at Springfield
Gardens United Church in Queens, New York. It was a highly successful
evening with over 200 people attending comperred by Donna Perez.
The evening provided an opportunity to thank our long standing
sponsors and supporters and to acknowledge our new. Although,
BASICS International has been in existence since 2001, this
was the organizations first major fundraiser. The events highlight
was the ministry of the Shepherd's Singers Christian Group;
who blessed the guests with a array of songs throughout the
event. An African drumming and dance group from Ifateyo
Cultural Center also performed. Our guest was also treated
by a liturgical dance ministered by Tonai Perez and Shayla.
In her after dinner speech, Ms Patricia Wilkins, the Executive
Director/ Founder of BASICS International , opted to not read
from a pre- written speech, but to speak from her heart. She
shared how her mission started in 2000. She reminisced of her
feelings of isolation from family and friends because of her
decision to sell her belongings and serve GOD. She shared how
it was the knowledge and advice of ; Elizabeth Taylor; a 90
year old family friend who advised her to stop trying to make
people understand what GOD Is doing in your life, just do it,
and they will understand in time. Following that advice, Ms
Wilkins acknowledges that seven years later, that her family
and friends do understand and support her mission today. She
encouraged all the guests to be faithful and listen to what
GOD is telling them to do. Each person has a special gift, and
GOD will use you according to these gifts- therefore GOD may
not call you to do what she is doing, but whatever you are called
for-say YES. She ended her speech with a special presentation
and citation to the mistress of ceremony; Donna Perez.
A bouquet of flowers and plaque was presented by Allotey Bruce-
Konuah; Program Coordinator . A second presentation was made
to Lenora Gates, the mother of Patricia Wilkins. She was personally
thanked for her involvement in today's event., she was also
presented with a bouquet.
Special thanks once again go to the overall sponsors of the
evening: Springfield Gardens United Methodist Church, A & B
Catering, RCL Enterprise, Candy's, Shannon Florist, Chef El
Amin, St, Matthew AME Community Church. Sheperd's Singers and
Ifateyo Cultural Center.
The fundraiser event raised almost $7,000 from the night allowing
us to sustain the daily operation of the multi purpose center
which provides a daily feeding program, library, computer training,
homework assistance, sewing, art, music, language, sports, counseling,
mentoring to over 200 children daily.
Once again, we would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters
who made the 2006 dinner a memorable night. We have been encouraged
by your kindness and generosity and will continue in our efforts
to make a difference. See more
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