I think we're going to need a bigger venue! Like last year, this year's fundraiser / end of year party was held at the Birds 'n Bugs Cafe, but a lot more people turned up. The group shot was taken at the end of the evening, after some people had already left.

The picture above shows Director Soonrye Yim (right) and the MC for the evening, Ohan Sukhee. She was fantastic and her entertainment background certainly showed in the skill brought to presiding over the night's activities.

Because of Soonrye's influence, there were a lot of entertainment types there, so we got a couple of free shows. You can read more about some of the celebrities on our Supporters page.

A singer and guitarist named TJ was there to enterain. He was excellent.

Also there was a famous actress in Korea, Kim Jeong-Eun, picture below on the right (no wonder that guy's got a big grin on his face).

Actor and model Chun Hee Lee was there, and another famous actress present was Jung Hye Sun, who's been in the acting business for around 50 years in Korea. Here she is below with a young fan.

After some announcements, a meal was set out and everyone was invited to partake. There seemed to be more vegetarian choices this year and hopefully, one day, it'll be a 100% vegan spread.

This was just one of the tables. Once everyone had their meals and had settled down, two films were shown, one showing where KARA's money goes into shelter aid and the other featuring some remarkable pictures of dogs in need from the photographer Yellow Dog.

Following the film presentation, people were offered forms upon which they could pledge a donation. It was a pretty transparent strategy. Naturally, the stars present were the first to get the forms (with of course no way to back out).

After these formalities, luck ticket prizes were drawn, and once the main prizes went, things degenerated into luck being thrown out the window and small gifts simply being presented to whoever was vocally nominated by name or number. Yours truly (below) got a scroll with a poem on it.

With the gift giving out of the way, famous Korean singer Kim Jung-Eun sang three songs with a back track. She was great.

Then it came time to announce the tally for the evening, since fund raising was the main reason we were all there at 50,000 won a head.

Whoahoo!

The final figure will probably be over that, but either way 7,870,000 won (around $8,000) beats last year's total! Well done, everyone!

A lot of that money will likely go to buying materials for the construction of pens and kennels and repairs at various shelters.

OUR SPECIAL THANKS

Our appreciation goes out to everyone who sacrificed so much to put this year's KARA fundraiser together.

Aside from the celebrities mentioned, modern artist and director, Chung Soon Park donated his precious artwork for the fundraiser. Thank you for putting so much of your effort into moving equipment to and from the party and for ensuring all went well.

Thanks to artist Jae Dong Park for donating his artworks for sale, some of which Jung Hye Sun bought.

Ms. Jung Nim Park is to be commended for her effort in making a huge vase of colorful and beautiful paper flowers for the event. Also, the help of Professor Choe and her assistant professor and students is much appreciated. Thank you very much.

We would also like to thank the director and his wife of the Good Morning Pet's veterinary clinic (pictured above), who have a direct link with KARA. Good Morning Pet's director provides discounts and sometimes even free treatment. He and his wife helped raise a million won during the year, 50% went to shelters and 50% went to putting together this fundraiser.

The two gentlemen here are professors and major long term donators to KARA.