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When will all this swiping at each other stop?
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NEW YORK --- Attending two fund-raising events last weekend to benefit the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) gave me a close look at how some people can stretch their imagination at nothing.
The event held on Feb. 11 at the Marriott Hotel in Teaneck, NJ, which was organized by Friends Indeed, an association established by friends of Dr. Linda Pelayo, 2005 grand marshal, was criticized by some PIDCI insiders as lacking of PIDCI backing. Critics questioned the “legitimacy” of the event.
I don’t get it. We are not talking here of legitimacy but what’s in the overall interest of PIDCI. If funds collected in said event were paid out to PIDCI, what’s all the fuss about? What’s wrong with friends of the grand marshal getting together to help her in role?
It seems to me that their objection is clouded by the involvement of Nena Kaufmann, 2003 overall chair, in the event. And whenever she’s a part of any fund-raising activity, Kaufmann seems to attract their ire. Even though Cora Reyes, 2004 treasurer, has admitted her primary role in organizing the event, they still think Kaufmann was pulling the strings.
Is it because these critics find the price of $300 to $500 per couple too stiff that the event was dubbed for the “elite” only? I don’t see anything outrageous with that. If people were willing to pay for that amount what’s wrong with that? If the event was able to gross about $20,000, is there any other upcoming fund-raising event that could accomplish the same feat?
Despite Reyes explaining at a meeting on Feb. 15 that no other deals were to be accorded to the attendees, except for major donors and sponsors, there are some who are still not content with that clarification. They still suspect that PIDCI would be short-changed in the end.
Despite the personal invitation of the organizers, some PIDCI officers and directors had reasons for not attending. Even Nimia Lacebal, PIDCI president, who was expected to be present, had to be somewhere else that night. Nor Nelia Ferrete, a good friend of the grand marshal, had to give an excuse for her absence. Neither was Lolita Compas, the committee chair of the grand marshal search was present.
Of fourteen PIDCI officers and directors, only treasurer Dr. Baby Bleza, and directors Angie Cruz, Arnie Rosario, and Wilson Versoza were in attendance. And now, the same critics are questioning how many of these directors and other attendees really paid the amount asked for the event.
This is but crying wolf and negates the primary objective of the event, which is fund-raising. If the group decided to have some guests sponsored, what is there to complain about? So long as monies are all accounted for and PIDCI is assured of its funds, what’s the worry about? I’d be the first one to ask if this was not complied with.
Again, it’s all about Kaufmann and Kaufmann alone. That’s the perception I gather from people who attended the other event on Feb. 13 in Union, New Jersey. Apparently, she is the foremost reason why her critics “boycotted” the Friday event.
I asked myself if this was fair to PIDCI. Forget about Kaufmann. People can be civil to each other but to use Kaufmann or question the legitimacy of the event is a lame reason to discredit the efforts of others who worked for the success of the “up-scale” event in Teaneck. PIDCI should come first not personalities.
On the other hand, while the fund-raising event at the Yankee Buffet in Union initiated by Gani Puertollano, PIDCI vice president, may have been planned to cater to the not so “elite,” group (to use the word of some people in attendance) it was nonetheless a fun outing.
But quite frankly, I find this class distinction as unnecessary and unhealthy if one were to look at PIDCI as a community effort. We do not need such labels that create factions within PIDCI and until people get rid of the notion of “sila-sila” and “tayo-tayo,” we will always find ourselves in a predicament.
Attended by close to the same number of people that were in Teaneck, the Yankee Buffet event raised about $700 net. And treasurer Bleza was quick to account for this that same night. I’m not sure if Bleza has received yet all the monies raised by Friends Indeed.
I was told that the group will turn over the proceeds to the grand marshal at her upcoming birthday, which again, has caused irritation to critics of Friends Indeed.
Sometimes, some people can stretch their imagination wildly even at nothing. When will all this swiping at each other stop?
Send comments to rickyxpres@aol.com or visit Website at PinoyOnBoard.com
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