Koror, Palau — The Ekei Women’s Organization capped off an extraordinary year with the 2024 Annual Christmas Parade, spreading holiday joy and bringing the community together in the spirit of giving. The parade, which took place on December 22, was a shining example of unity and generosity, made possible by the incredible support of donors and participants.
Giving Back
“This year was a really good year. It was amazing!” said Ekei Women’s Organization Treasurer Luisa Kumangai. “We saw record participation from the community and monetary donations for the Ekei Scholarship Fund, which will help support students pursuing higher education. The donations and involvement truly showcased the holiday spirit.”
“The night before the parade, we received candy and cash donations, which made everything even more special. We encourage all interested individuals who share the same passion to join us by becoming a member of the organization or joining us at next year’s Annual Ekei Christmas Parade.”
The Ekei Women’s Organization extended heartfelt gratitude to the many donors whose contributions helped fund the Ekei Scholarship and the parade itself. The scholarship fund provides vital financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute to the community’s future. This year, the Ekei Women’s Organization received generous donations from various businesses and individuals.
Special Recognition
Special thanks were also extended to U.S. Ambassador Joel Erendreich and H.E. President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau, who joined the parade and shared in the festive celebrations.
The Ekei Women’s Organization would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Edward Anastacio for recording the 2024 Annual Ekei Christmas Parade. From behind-the-scenes shopping to capturing the magic of the event and distributing goodies, Edward’s efforts made the parade even more memorable. Watch the full parade on his YouTube channel, AMUSE Production Palau.
Community Collaboration and Holiday Spirit
The Ekei Women’s Organization worked closely with the Civic Action Team (CAT) to make the parade a success. Officer in Charge (OIC) 2nd Lt. Vlad Zhukov of the U.S. Air Force praised the collaboration, saying, “Aside from it being a fantastic experience, we loved it. The Ekei Women’s Organization was fantastic. They gave us all the supplies we needed and helped us out a ton. Honestly, they probably did the majority of the legwork while we supported them wherever we could. We appreciate them a ton, and we appreciate Palau and the holidays that are coming around.”
A Festive Parade Full of Cheer
The Christmas Parade featured decorated floats, a cheerful Santa, and candy distributed to children throughout the community. This year’s route was from the Palau National Airport all the way to Ngerkebesang in Koror. The event embodied the true spirit of the season, bringing families, businesses, and organizations together to celebrate and give back.
Ochob Rachel Bechesrrak, President of the Ekei Women’s Organization, expressed her gratitude for the support that made that makes every year’s parade a success. She stated, “Annual Ekei Christmas parade wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our members and partners over the years. We are deeply thankful for the support and look forward to continuing this cherished tradition for years to come.” The Ekei Women’s Organization, founded in 1983, began hosting its Annual Christmas Parade in 1984.
The Ekei Women’s Organization would like to express its deepest gratitude to everyone who made the 2024 Annual Christmas Parade a resounding success. From generous donors and dedicated participants to tireless volunteers and enthusiastic spectators, your contributions were invaluable in creating a memorable event that celebrated the spirit of giving and unity.
Special recognition goes to Edward Anastacio for his exceptional effort in recording the parade and ensuring every moment was captured beautifully. Edward’s dedication added a unique touch to this year’s celebration.
Ekei extends warmest appreciation to all donors who supported the Ekei Scholarship Fund and the parade logistics, as well as the participants who brought life and color to the event. Together, they have demonstrated the power of community and the joy of giving during this festive season.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
The Ekei Women’s Organization continues to embody the spirit of giving through its ongoing initiatives, including the Ekei Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities for students to pursue higher education. “We go through a list of students that have applied for the scholarships, and we also go through Palau’s priority lists. With that, we pick a student who is financially in need. That’s how we select a recipient for the scholarship fund,” said Ochob Rachel Bechesrrak.
The group also encourages new members to join and support their mission of promoting women’s interests, cultural exchange, and community development.
As the holiday season continues, the Ekei Women’s Organization wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive and look forward to another year of success,” said Luisa Kumangai.
For more information about the Ekei Women’s Organization, to contribute to their initiatives or to become a member, contact Luisa Kumangai at 779-6629 or Vangie Ngirchemat at 775-4732. By: Eustoria Marie Borja