Empty Vessel holds appreciation ceremony

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, fourth left, receives a plaque of appreciation from Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, led by vice president Diana Benavente, fifth left, in last week’s presentation at the Governor’s Office conference room. (Jon Perez)

Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, led by founder and director Rose Smith, held an appreciation ceremony Thursday afternoon on Capitol Hill as a thank you to all the organizations that helped the nonprofit organization in re-shaping the community after Typhoon Soudelor.

“Soudelor was a great awakening for everyone and I’m happy that it actually happened. Although it didn’t annihilate or push us down too far, I’m so happy it brought us together,” said Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan).

“All donations have been a great help, please continue supporting us, keep us in your prayers, share to your family and friends what’s going on,” said EVM vice president Diana Benavente.

“[EVM] they have been a great help in encouraging people to come up. They showed their resiliency in assisting our community, that every club means a lot to someone, every island to every house means a lot. And they actually encourage every organization to come together and help Empty Vessel and/or their organizations. We cannot thank them enough for their hearts helping out those who are in need,” she added.

EVM would like to thank the following contributors: Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann Torres Foundation, Sen. Sixto Igisomar, Reps. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan), Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), Vinnie Sablan (Ind-Saipan), Francis Taimanao (Ind-Saipan), John Paul Sablan (Ind-Saipan), and Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), the 15th Youth Congress, the Commonwealth Health Center, Best Sunshine International, Ltd., IT&E, Saipan Tribune, Marianas Variety, NMPASI, D&Q, CORE, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Karidat, Life of the Sun Fellowship, Mt. Carmel School, Nepalese Community Salvation, 7th Day Adventist Church, Saipan Sothern High School, United 4 Saipan, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Whispering Palms School, Saipan Young Professionals, Sons of Saipan, Jojo Camacho, G. Van Gills, Workforce Investment Agency, Marianas Health Services, MMI Association, Tropics Vacation & Tours, CTSI, MYP, Hyatt Regency, DY Systems Construction, Twins, M4S, Pacifica Insurance, Island Apparel, Bridge Capital, Cargo Express, Mariana Resort & Spa, Matson, Atkins Kroll, Natasha, MMInsurance, and Serenity.

Empty Vessel is a nonprofit organization committed to assisting those who are in need. (Mackenzie Perez)