On January 30, members of the WeLoveU East U.S. Chapter held a year-end meeting with their welfare project partners to reflect on 2024 and wrap up the year.
Under the title, “Intl. WeLoveU Foundation’s Fundraising Gala: Inspiring a Kinder World”, the event brought together welfare project partners to express appreciation, share the vision for the coming year’s initiatives, and strengthen continued collaboration.
Approximately 120 guests attended, including the Ambassador of Vanuatu to the United Nations, Pennsylvania State Representative, Deputy Director of HDR New York–New Jersey, Vice President of Manasquan Bank, and representatives from Amazon and SHI, and the Hispanic Statewide Chamber of Commerce of NJ, along with WeLoveU leaders. The evening underscored the importance of partnerships across individuals, civil society, government, and business—reaffirming a shared commitment to building a world where humanity and the planet thrive together.
The event opened at 6:45 p.m. with a warm and energetic welcome from WeLoveU member Chanel Krause. Guests viewed a video presentation showcasing WeLoveU’s major initiatives from 2024, followed by words of gratitude from the chapter leader and representatives.
Daniel Lee, President of the East U.S. Chapter, shared: “I’m honored to serve as the President of the WeLoveU Foundation in the United States. At the heart of this celebration is our Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah, who started our organization in 2001 in South Korea. Without her taking the first step, thinking of others, we would not be sitting here tonight. She asks, “How can I help?” This simple question is more important now than ever. In the coming year, we will continue to deliver a mother’s love to our global family. I hope to share the warmth of this night with everyone here who embraces WeLoveU’s vision.”
Over dinner, guests reflected on the impact of the past year— walking alongside global neighbors through service and compassion.
By 8:00 p.m., the evening reached its highlight as partner organizations and distinguished guests took the stage, sharing words of support for WeLoveU’s mission and offering reflections on sustainable living and humanitarian service. To conclude the event, WeLoveU presented plaques of appreciation to four outstanding partner organizations in recognition of their dedicated collaboration.
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Manasquan Bank:
Mom’s Garden Project Award
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SHI(IT company)
Heart of the Community Award
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Amazon:
Community Impact Award
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HDR(Design Company):
Excellence in Partnership Award
At the event, representatives from HDR presented a donation of $35,000 to WeLoveU. This contribution will support upcoming initiatives, including the establishment of two “Pollinator Gardens1 ” in 2025 as part of the Mom’s Garden Project.
- A habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a vital role in plant pollination. It helps preserve pollinator populations in the face of the climate crisis.
The event also featured a review of the Calming Room initiative—spaces designedto promote students’ emotional well-being and academic success. Attendees received a briefing on the East U.S. Chapter’s main welfare projects for the upcoming year. Additional highlights included interactive activity booths such as a photo zone, a mini calming room, and an exhibition honoring Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s lifelong path of service, which attracted attention from guests.
“When I think of WeLoveU, the words that come to mind are devotion, passion, and kindness. The incredible work they do around the world is both impressive and moving. I’ve always been a strong supporter of WeLoveU, which is why I joined tonight. What makes this evening shine is all people here, cheering and helping one another with warm smiles. I believe there’s much more we can accomplish together with WeLoveU.”
Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Manager
“The speeches shared tonight were the best part of the event. I was truly inspired by the stories. I enjoyed the comic book activity and planting a seedling in a cup—both were great. WeLoveU consistently offers trustworthy ideas and suggestions for how we can serve our communities, especially when we don’t know where to start. I hope more people get involved in WeLoveU’s activities.”
Robert Williams III, PubSec Project Manager, SHI
“WeLoveU created a calming room at University High School. I’ve been a school social worker there for 24 years, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many students returned with fear and anxiety. Some had even lost loved ones. In the calming room, they found rest, reflected on themselves, and regained emotional stability. They learned how to manage their feelings and realized that they are deeply loved and valued. As we wrapped up 2024, our school reached a 98% attendance rate, the highest in our district. This was all thanks to you. You helped our students regain hope. Thank you.”
Lawren Monroe, Social Worker at University High School
“Whenever I’m having a conflict or need a break, I come to the calming room to gather my thoughts. What makes this place special is that it helps me calm down and relieve stress. I really love this room.”
Student, University High School
“This room has a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the school. Maybe it’s the calming blue color of the walls, but it helps me forget my worries. After I’ve settled my thoughts here, I regain focus and feel emotionally balanced.”
Student, University High School
“The WeLoveU videos—especially the school bag and winter clothing donation efforts—left a deep impression on me. WeLoveU members truly care for one another and even extend help beyond their own communities. To anyone considering volunteering, I’d say, ‘Spending time with WeLoveU is truly meaningful.’”
Randy Brown, Special Teams Coach at NFL Baltimore Ravens
“It’s an honor to witness these amazing activities happening in our own community. In October, Manasquan Bank partnered with WeLoveU to plant more than 30 trees in a local park. We look forward to continuing these projects and planting seeds of hope, growth, and change together.”
Katie E. Meyers, Vice President of Client Experience Manasquan Bank
Guests, corporate partners, and WeLoveU members looked ahead to 2025 with the hope of even greater collaborative efforts to improve lives across the global village.
