Pratchaya
Kerdthong & Lewis Underwood
The Fountain of Life Children and Woman’s Center held
their annual Christmas Party on December 16th, which always gets everyone
into the holiday spirit early on. The Center has been the target charity for
the Jesters Care for Kids since 1998. We, the Jesters, are proud to carry on
as a strong supporter for their organization and share their sentiments in
caring for the children in need, as well as wishing all of you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Santa
Gator was popular with the children.
The following, the opening speech given by Sister Joan
Gormley, says it all: “I welcome all of you to our Christmas celebration
with the children. It is often said that Christmas is a children’s time of
joy and love, but it is also a time of joy and love for all of us too,
especially when we celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.
“When Jesus was born into our world, he taught us a way
of life that leads to peace and justice; teaching us to care, support and
encourage each other, especially for those who are marginalized due to
poverty, lack of opportunities, disability or illness.
“This is the spirit we try to maintain at FOL; to make
every effort to give the children at our center the chance to be happy and
healthy, as they prepare to join the government schools. We hope that our
children will have a desire for knowledge to help them in the future.
“This is what we celebrate today and we would like to
thank all those who support and help us to do this and maintain this spirit.
“We thank: The Jesters and all their many collaborators,
PILC and their collaborators, Cuel Charity Golf, Human Help Network, Pattaya
Sports Club and the rest of our supporters both in Thailand and from abroad.
“All of you form the support system that enables us to do
what we feel we can do well. That is, to take care of the children in need.
Without your help, we would not be able to do this work, which gives
positive meaning to our lives. We hope that you too are happy to be part of
this service to those in need. And we thank you all for your friendship and
financial support.
“We also thank those we network with: Father Ray
Foundation, Pattaya Orphanage, St. Gabriel Brothers in Sriracha, Camillian
Social Center, Mercy Center, Ban Jing Jai, World Vision, Child Protection
and Development Center, the Dental Department at the Bangkok Hospital
Pattaya, Workers in Pattaya City Hall, Pattaya Police for Child Protection
and the Government Emergency Home in Chonburi. We also thank all the
teachers at the government schools, where our children go when they graduate
from the Fountain of Life Center.
“We also thank those who donate their time to teach
English to our children and staff, as well the many others who help us in
big ways and small. We thank all of you for your cooperation and help.
“We feel that the Fountain of Life Center, working
together with you and these groups, can do a lot to help the marginalized
people in Pattaya. We all know that this help is very much needed in Pattaya.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to thank our
devoted staff and generous volunteers, who have imbibed the spirit of the
Fountain of Life. They give themselves whole-heartedly to the welfare of the
children. And now we feel that some of the children and their parents imbibe
and live this spirit too.
“Because of all of this and together with all of you we
can say that we really are celebrating Christmas today. We, here at the
Fountain of Life Center, would like to wish you and your families blessings
of Peace, Health and Happiness for this Christmas and the New Year.”
The day was filled music and fun, but the activities
stressed morality and tradition, such as shows about proper attire, manners
and hygiene. The entertainment was followed by food and beverages and a tour
of the facilities.
Sister
Joan with Pat and Reg Warner, who are regular Platinum Sponsors (100,000
baht donors).
Young
angels descending upon the stage.
The
youngsters do a remarkable job acting out the nativity scene.
Children
from the Fountain of Life Center wait in the wings,
preparing for their turn on stage.
Children
from the Fountain of Life Center perform for the guests.
Santa
Gator with Nan and Jesters.
Pravit
Phukasemwarangkul from the Bangkok Bank Pattaya Branch
and friends bring gifts for the children.
