Events: Philanthropist-Couple Treated to Dinner for Good Works in City
An American couple, known hereabouts for their philanthropic deeds helping the less fortunate members of society in their own little way, were treated to a friendly get-together and fellowship dinner prior to their departure for home in Los Angeles, CA after having stayed here for many years.
Close friends and admirers gather at L’Sea Restaurant last night to treat
philanthropist-couple Rick and Ester Zander for his many humanitarian projects
in Bacolod and Negros Occ. for the past years.* (James G. Toga photo)
The philanthropic couple- Rick and Ester Zander, were special dinner guests of William Henry and Elsa Streegan with the staff of Negros Daily Bulletin, during a "Thank You dinner" with the presence of some of their close friends and admirers in the city.
Rick, a very humble, soft-spoken and likeable fellow, along with his good-natured wife Ester, have been silently extending some assistance to the needy sectors here, especially the young ones needing help for their education and other day-to-day needs.
A number of educational institutions and entities here have also been recipients of the couple’s generosity and kind heart. Among their donations were reference books, computers, educational materials and even veterinary medicines for domestic pets.
Rick was a member of the US Air Force in his younger days and is also a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
He learned to love Filipinos, notably Bacolodnons and Negrosanons having lived here for decades, thus it pains him to leave the city he has learned to love. Even when they are back to his homeland, Rick and Ester have expressed the desire to come back as often as opportunities and time would allow.
"It is very sad to be going home after having retired from theactive service. I consider Bacolod and Negros my second home," said a teary-eyed Rick as he thanked his friends for being so kind and understanding of him while staying here for many years.
For her part, Mrs. Elizabeth Jocson, chairman of the board, Grande Computer and Training Center, Inc. was profuse in also thanking Rick Zander and wife Ester for their donations of computer units, among others, which benefitted students in the said training center.
She said for every computer donated to the institution, at least ten students, notably the poor and less fortunate ones get the benefits for their training in computer operation. She alsoannounced that tomorrow, May 1, some 29 of them will graduate from a three-month intensive computer training which qualifies them to get employed in offices wherever they would apply.
Among those who graced the goodwill and send-off party for the Zander couple at L’Sea Restaurant last night were Andrea Hazel Stuart, British lady who has been filming documentaries of the Philippines, so far having already completed more than 50 such documentaries; Mrs. Elizabeth Jocson of Grande Computer Training Center; Mrs. Linda G. Divino of Hinigaran Institute; Mrs. Elsa Streegan of Riverside College; NDB Editor-in Chief Pert Toga, Editorial Consultant/Columnist W. Henry Streegan; Columnist-Reporter Gil Severino and wife; Webmaster Jein Pabalinas; Military/Civic Reporter Edith B. Colmo; Photo Journalist Henry James Toga; Sports (Chess) advocate Marijo Aguirre; and some other acquaintances of the couple.*
dinner
Close friends and admirers gather at L’Sea Restaurant last night to treat philanthropist-couple Rick and Ester Zander for his many humanitarian projects in Bacolod and Negros Occ. for the past years.* (James G. Toga photo)
