Tutu Event A Smashing Success

The event honoring Archbishop Desmond Tutu held on September 25 th at the Sheraton Boston was a huge success. Beginning with a reception and silent auction, guests mixed and mingled admiring the items on offer for bidding. Major sponsors had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Tutu before everyone gathered for dinner and remarks by speakers.

Jimmy Tingle, the emcee for the evening, delighted guests with his humor, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. With insight and cleverness, Jimmy had the audience laughing as he made fun of the questions asked at airports and giving thanks that the potential shoe bomber did not plan to use underwear instead of sneakers.

Mayor Thomas Menino officially welcomed everyone, touching on the role he has played as Boston's “Public Health” Mayor. Referencing his projects such as the health disparities program to close the racial divide in health care, Mayor Menino continues his support of the fight against AIDS whether it is in our own back yard or any where in the world because the virus knows no boundaries.

SHARED's President, Elizabeth Ziemba, was warmly greeted as the official host for the evening. She highlighted SHARED's work providing the essentials of good health – medicines, medical supplies and community gardens – to some of the world's poorest people in Lesotho. Reminding guests that their donations go far and have a huge impact in a country where the average annual income is $600.00, Ziemba thanked everyone for coming and asked for their continued support of SHARED's work. She then introduced the man who needed no introduction, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The Archbishop worked his magic, weaving words and images, telling of how God needs us to help do his work in the world. With his unique sense of humor, Archbishop Tutu described the farmer who diligently worked a cornfield, transforming it from weeds and rocks to neat rows of health plants. A traveler came along and remarked to the farmer that it was lovely what God had produced. The farmer replied, “You should have seen it before I came along”.

Encouraging each of us to do our part to transform the world, Archbishop Tutu gave his support to SHARED's work in Lesotho, a place near and dear to his heart. Closing with a short prayer, the Archbishop sent his blessings to each guest and sent us on our way with his words reverberating in our heads.

Accolades from the event and days following have congratulated SHARED's speakers, Board of Directors, volunteers, and supporters for a thoroughly professional and enjoyable evening, launching the organization to its next level of visibility while growing its number of friends and donors. Thanks to the generosity and assistance of many people, SHARED can expand its work and the number of people who will benefit from the essentials of good health – medicines, medical supplies, and community gardens.