Hope, support for quake and typhoon victims in Carolinas red carpet fund raiser

With event host Janet Pichon Hixon (second from left) during a lull in the presentation

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

DESPITE the destruction of their 411-year-old church by the Oct. 15 earthquake, parishioners of the Loctob Catholic Church in Bohol province, Philippines celebrated Mass in the town gymnasium. 

In a live online conference held during the Dec. 7 red carpet event “The Gift of Giving: A Charity Event for Philippine Disasters” in Charlotte, North Carolina, Loctob parish priest Fr. Gerald Lopena recounted to the audience the overwhelming support their community received from around the Philippines and the rest of the world.

Rather than being forlorn, Fr. Lopena was enthusiastic and said the financial and emotional support enabled people in the affected areas to resume their normal routines.  

However in between static, Fr. Lopena made it clear to event host and Mrs. Asia-USA titlist Janet Hixon and the audience that their community still needs help. His appeal drew a positive response, generating US $1,000 dollars during the auction.

Me with US presidential aspirant Robbie Wells

The most popular items in the auction were the art works and the photographs. 
Entertainment was provided by the high school jazz band Lonnie Davis. 

A  Mongolian bowl dance and musical numbers by Princess Diwata, Dorena Reynolds and Maria Corazon Ducusin Benrokiya who performed an Ifugao dance kept the crowd entertained along with performances by Lima Redelosa Alindao Butler and her daughter Ginger as well as Gina Holders and her sons.

Other guests were Lyndzy Silvers, Rita Miles, Rob McDowell and US presidential candidate Robby Wells, who gave a message of support to the Filipino-American community in North Carolina.  More photos of the event can be seen at the event photos link at charlotteseen.com. 'Till next time, ciao!