The 2023 Fundraising Dinner in support of the Secure the Future Campaign was held on Sunday, September 17 at the Victoria Chinese Restaurant in downtown Vancouver. It was an opportunity for many friends to get together, enjoy a delectable ten-course meal and learn about the progress made so far in bringing the project of Copper Ridge Conference Centre to completion.
The evening began with a presentation by Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd, Co-Chair of CRCC Fundraising Committee, in which she shared the project’s scope and the milestones achieved so far. A heartfelt testimonial delivered by Mrs. Ping Mah followed. After the blessing of the meal by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, a delightful time was shared among all while a silent auction and a live auction were held. The organizers would like to thank everyone for supporting this event, where over $40,000 was raised!
Following is a testimonial about CRCC shared by Mrs. Ping Mah at the dinner:
SILENCE… is a great gift.
Without Silence, there is neither rest nor serenity nor interior life.
That’s why I love silent retreats. In the past I have attended many Opus Dei Women Silent Retreats in different venues and enjoyed them all. But the one I attended at Copper Ridge Conference Centre is different from the rest. The difference is the SILENCE. The Centre brings Silence to a totally different level, the Silence there is surrounded by God’s beautiful creation, the breathtaking views of Howe Sound, the magnificent mountains, the color of the sky and the sea, the towering trees, it’s peaceful and heavenly. One can really feel the closeness with God and His glory. I felt out of this world. This is a gift from God.
Situated in the midst of the beautiful nature, the heart of the Conference Centre is the Chapel. When I first entered the Chapel – it just took my breath away. The giant stained glass windows, covering the entire wall, are dazzling. But that Crucifix! The Crucifix is huge and beautifully carved, placed so close to us! I can feel Jesus looking right at me, so close, so real. I spent hours in the Chapel looking at Jesus, at His 5 precious wounds, contemplating His great love for us.
My spiritual experience is complemented by the overall warmth, orderly, elegant interior space of the Centre, with the delicious healthy meals they served, all helped to create an atmosphere which gives us the space and peace we need to be out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to have a fruitful reflection, and focus on building our relationship with God.
At the end of the Retreat, I felt relaxed, refreshed, rejuvenated, ready to enter the world to face all the challenges, to do what God wants me to do.
My deepest gratitude to the countless people who have generously worked to make the dream of Copper Ridge Conference Centre come true.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Thank you.
