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.

🏅

Manasquan Bank:

Mom’s Garden Project Award
🏅

SHI(IT company)

Heart of the Community Award
🏅

Amazon:

Community Impact Award
🏅

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.

1 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.

Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Manager

“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

Robert Williams III, PubSec Project Manager, SHI

“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

Lawren Monroe, Social Worker at University High School

“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

Student, 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

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

Randy Brown, Special Teams Coach at NFL Baltimore Ravens

“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

Katie E. Meyers, Vice President of Client Experience Manasquan Bank

“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.