By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

CHICAGO (jGLi) – Dr. Dona L. Hernandez, president of The Filipinos St. Gregory in Chicago, Illinois, turned over Sunday (Aug. 7) a $4,000.00 check to Fr. Paul Wachdorf, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish Church in Chicago’s north side.

The turnover ceremony was held during TFSG’s annual picnic at Bunker Hill in the northwest edge of Chicago witnessed by the lay and civic group’s officers and members and their guests.

In turning over the check, Dr. Hernandez, a small animal veterinarian, told Father Wachdorf that the amount came from the funds raised during Santacruzan  (procession of the Holy Cross) last May and the group’s Hawaiian Dinner Dance last July.

Father Wachdorf thanked the officers and members and their supporters for coming together in support of the community activities of the 24-year-old civic and religious organization.

“I thank you all very much for this donation,” Father Wachdorf said, “I will use this $4,000.00 check to improve the facilities of St. Gregory Church so it will be able to welcome the community in its premises.”

Aside from Santacruzan, Hawaiian Dinner Dance and picnic, the other annual activity of the Filipino group is the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) in December.

Outgoing President Alex Siapno reported that during his term, he donated $3,000 for sealing and stripping of the church parking lot in 2009 and another $1,500 for the Tuckpointing project in 2010.

The picnic featured luncheon, parlor games, dancing and some sports festivities.

Dr. Hernandez, a native of Pilar, Sorsogon in the Philippines, was just glad that she was able to continue the tradition set by other presidents before her.

“Bringing some of the culture from the Philippines to the United States is really something to cheer about especially if it highlights the uniqueness of being a Filipino,” Dr. Hernandez added.

She becomes the first woman president in a long line of male presidents, a position first held by Mr. Vic Tibudan in 1986. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)