Our event last Saturday October 23, 2021, “HONORING LEADERSHIP WITH COMPASSION; A Dedication to Race Amity” was a great success, THANKS TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS AND ATTENDEES! The MC, CEO for People for Peace & Prosperity, a CA non-profit 501(c)3, Soheila Azizi and supporting entities and groups listed below recognized the good work of Upland Community Leaders, including Upland Mayor Bill Velto and City Council, Upland Police Department/Chief Darren Goodman, County Fire and Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Birchfield and Fire Battalion Gorman and staff at Upland area Fire Stations.
Appreciation awards were presented, and praise and prayers by a few members of Upland Interfaith Council uplifted the spirit of the audience in appreciation for the hard work of civic officials and first responders. The Chiefs, Mayor Velto, and Council Members Janice Elliott and Carlos Garcia also offered insight as to their work towards unity and race amity in the community. Special gratitude was expressed to strong ladies standing by the side of our leaders, Mrs. Shana Goodman and Mrs. Jona Velto. Other guests included Mayor of Laguna Niguel, Fred Minagar, and spouse Dr. Julie Minagar.
Dedication to Race Amity was made by viewing a short video production by NCRA (National Center for Race Amity). Comments and Prayers for Unity in Community were offered by the following few members of Upland Interfaith Council: Red Grammer for the Baha’i Faith Community, Reverend Kat Reeves as Upland Interfaith Council President, Sisters Blackham and Stuart, Missionaries for Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saint, Ms. Rehana Mowjood for the Muslim Community Common Ground of Rancho Cucamonga, and Jan Chase for the Unity Church of Pomona.
Other Community Groups also offered words on the critical need for focus on unity in community and leadership with compassion as follows: Barbara Marino & Diane Gunther for Baha’i Community Initiative Towards oneness in partnership with HEALTHY RC initiative of City of Rancho Cucamonga, and Leadership with Compassion Presentation by Laura Burges, founder of Human Values Center and a Board Member at Compassionate CA. The night ended with the uplifting live musical presentations by Julie Matanga and Larry. Our special thanks to ConnectMe Digital Marketing for print and social media promotional support.
