As you know, FCC's annual celebration of the Chinese New Year is fast approaching. This year's event will be held once again at The Louisville Collegiate School on February 7, 2009. I am organizing the Silent Auction for FCC. Each year we solicit donations of items that are then auctioned to the highest bidder at the event. The donations have come from private, local businesses, FCC members and FCC's Culture Clubs. Last year we received positive feedback about the variety and uniqueness of the items available for auction. A special favorite: The theme baskets compiled by the Culture Clubs under the direction of each Chair. As you are aware, FCC donates the proceeds from the Silent Auction to a non-profit organization that provides financial and in-kind assistance to children living in orphanages in China.

This year I hope to make the Silent Auction even more successful than last year. FCC anticipates donating the proceeds of the 2009 Silent Auction to an organization working with earthquake victims in China. I am turning to you for your help in gathering donated items for the auction. Many of you have your own businesses or friends and family with businesses that could donate an item(s) to our event. If you can help in this respect, please let me know. I can be reached by email at chloe1290@hotmail.com or my home phone of 238-3556. Also, I would love to hear from the Chairs of each of the Culture Clubs as to whether you are able to put together themed baskets. This would be a really fun activity for the kids: They can choose a basket theme as a group and then each family can contribute something to fill the basket.