by Anne Creter and Tricia Idrobo

The New Jersey Department of Peace campaign is still basking in the glory of having conquered its biggest fear … FUNDRAISING.  Yes, we DID it!  We hosted a big Memorial Day fundraising bash on May 27 in Montclair at the Unitarian Church (the building itself a dedicated peace site).  And it went great!!  We promoted the event as a practical way to celebrate Memorial Day, the idea being to “Secure a Legacy of Peace” by showing up to support the Department of Peace campaign on this hallowed Holiday. 

We acknowledged those who have given their lives for peace, in the true meaning of the word sacrifice (to make sacred).  Department of Peace greeters at the door handed out traditional Memorial Day red poppies in honor of disabled Veterans, along with Department of Peace brochures.  State Co-Coordinators Tricia Idrobo and Anne Creter took turns emceeing.  We opened with a brief history of Memorial Day and its relation to war and peace.

The ever-brilliant Dot Maver was special featured speaker, along with beautiful country-music star, Carly Goodwin, who wooed the group with her amazing voice.  Student Coordinator Aaron Voldman lit the room up with his wise youth perspective. Newark Councilman Ronald Rice roused everyone when he spoke about his commitment to anti-violence and the Department of Peace Resolution he helped pass through Newark City Council.  Several NJ DOP campaigners spoke briefly about their various innovative lobbying activities.  The piece-de-resistance was Theresa Antonellis’s masterful talk on the delicate subject of … ah … money … i.e., “funding the dream.” 

It turned out to be informative, entertaining, inspiring, collaborative and fairly lucrative.  In spite of our many misgivings (a holiday weekend … did we outreach enough … would anyone show up … and on and on) we were thrilled at our success. Not only did we raise way more than enough money to cover all our expenses (whew) but more important, it became apparent our committee had solidified into a competently functioning team. 

There seemed to be a higher power at work as this amazing group pulled the gig together.  Its success was largely due to the incredible teamwork “shared leadership, shared responsibility” style that emerged.  Seems the Department of Peace campaign attracts these rare types, such as: Therese Antonellis (Publicity); Connie Bocchieri (Refreshments); Claudia Cohen (Volunteers); Garine Isassi (Publicity/Liaison with Singer); and Debbie Lordi (Flyer/Program Design).  This dedicated Program Committee made our job as Co-Chairs a joy. 

Organizing a big undertaking like this was not exactly a piece of cake, but it was the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day.  We now feel more confident … plus blessed by the unanticipated pleasure we experienced working together for this worthy cause.  MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH!!