On Saturday November 22, 2014, Pacifica Institute OC hosted its Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Following the tradition of the past year, the year’s theme was “Don’t forget your neighbor on Thanksgiving!”
The dinner turned out to be a great success with over 150 guests from different faiths and backgrounds. The program started at 6:30 with Dr. Sophia Pandya’s welcoming speech, representing the Pacifica Institute. Dr. Pandya spoke about the spirit of Thanksgiving and the meaning that holds true today as we get together with friends and loved ones. A proclamation from the Orange County Sheriff Department was read on behalf Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, acknowledging Pacifica’s efforts in community service and bringing together people of different backgrounds together.
The colorful dinner tables were complete with an array of delicious dishes, bringing together a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Guests conversed with each other while enjoying delicious turkey with mashed potato and gravy, rice, salad, side dishes and a range of desserts.
Following the dinner, one of the active volunteers of Pacifica Institute, Mirkena Ozer, delivered a keynote speech on Thanksgiving. “The day of Thanksgiving, celebrated as a national holiday, marks of the beginning of this great nation. It is a symbol of hope and a reminder that human kindness will prevail against all odds. Fifteen years ago, my husband and I had our own beginning in United States. Through the years living in this beautiful country, we have met many wonderful people who have extended us their friendship and have made us feel welcome through their kindness. I am thankful for each one of them on this day because Thanksgiving reminds us to never take anything for granted,” she spoke, as she reminded the guests that we should be cautious not to fall into the “entitlement trap” that we deserve the bounties that we enjoy when they have clearly been granted to us by the Most Gracious. Mrs. Ozer drew attention to the detailed calculations and designs that enable us to sustain our lives in this planet that we live in as she encouraged the guests to reflect upon these blessings. “If you look at our planet earth and its place in relation to the whole universe, you may notice a very calculated design that works to support life on earth. The sun has been positioned at just the right distance; an inch closer or farther could be disastrous to us. The atmosphere contains just the right amount of gases and none of these happened because we worked hard for it.” She concluded her speech with a thought-provoking story; “A seventy- year old man had a successful cataract surgery through which he regained his sight. When he saw the bill of expenses from the hospital, he began to cry. His doctor, thinking that the amount of money had overwhelmed the old man tried to calm him down saying: “Don’t cry, we can make a seniors discount and brake into installments for easy paying.” The old man shook his head indicating that the hospital bill wasn’t the reason for his tears. He said: ” I enjoyed good eyesight for seventy whole years and God never charged me anything!”
Cathy Scherer, Lieutenant Chief of Irvine Police Department, and Anthony Kuo, Chairman of the Irvine Planning Commission appointed by Irvine Mayor Steven Choi, shared their thoughts and reflections on the evening with short speeches, emphasizing the importance of the coming together of different backgrounds to celebrate our common holiday and working together to build strong communities. Anthony Kuo presented a proclamation on behalf of Irvine Mayor, recognizing the celebration of friends, family and community through this special gathering.
While three lucky guests received surprise gifts from the raffle at the end, everybody went home with their own small gift to keep as a memory of the evening.
Pacifica Institute wishes all friends a happy Thanksgiving full of love, prosperity, friends and family.