SPECIAL EVENTS - 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On September 13, 2003, a balmy San Francisco evening, CCI pioneers, volunteers and funders met to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of CCI's existence and declare victory over the impossible mission that drove CCI founders into action twenty years ago had miraculously succeeded!

San Francisco's historic Presidio National Park set the stage for the evening. At the end of the Cold War, this 19th century former U.S. military base was turned into a hub for non-profit agencies working on behalf of global sustainability. CCI has been blessed with an office in the park for the past six years. The Presidio's lovely Palm Room, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, was the perfect location for the 20th Anniversary event.

Limited to 180 guests by the facility space, CCI invited participants representing each program over the past 20 years - those who had been long-term key volunteers and funders for the organization's activities. CCI missionaries flew in from all corners of America and even from Russia to make the event a true royal homecoming. Some guests had not seen each other for 15 years; others had never met, but knew of each other's contributions during CCI's formidable early years.

Each name tag had an "Ask Me About..." attachment that identified the attendee according to the CCI project or program with which they were involved. An unfamiliar face was easily recognized by their past CCI participation. By sunset, the inviting Palm Room and veranda swelled with reunions, exclamations, laughter and delight.

A fabulous Russian caterer and Russian musicians helped to bring out the "Russian Soul" of the evening. Long tables laden with every sort of Russian delicacy lined the veranda, and the sound of Russian music filled the air.

Arlie Schardt, chairman of CCI's Board of Directors for the past dozen years, calmed the energetic crowd and got the evening underway with his expert emcee skills. Travelers from the initial voyage to the U.S.S.R. (September 16, 1983) were called to the podium first to acknowledge their courage and share their early experiences -- being followed by KGB, weathering FBI contacts, losing one another on Soviet metros, and meeting clandestinely in small Soviet apartments -- all in hopes of meeting with Soviet citizens. As these recollections were recalled, heads across the room nodded in remembrance of the Cold War stigmas.

Throughout the evening, each of CCI's major programs was celebrated as attendees came forward to explain the impact of their program and how involvement with CCI had influenced their lives. These real life experiences reminded the crowd of the power and value of CCI's programs that have opened new spheres in U.S.-Russia human relations.

An American mime from New York, David Ellzey, traveled on CCI's second trip to the Soviet Union and shocked inhibited Soviet citizens by performing daily on their streets. David took the gala's stage and presented his magnificent mime piece for the audience. The room was hushed as everyone became raptly engaged in his silent demonstration.

Six awards were given to attendees who each had spent a dozen years or more funding CCI, running CCI's sister organizations, or creating programs in Russia. Their specific contributions and sacrifices were incorporated into the awards, which were read aloud when presented. This became yet another opportunity for CCI's stalwart volunteers to share their deepest thoughts about what they had experienced. Nods of agreement were again seen across the room, hands reached out to give awardees appreciation as they returned to their tables, and tears of gratitude welled up in the eyes of some. The great emotion that filled the audience exemplified the deep experiences shared over the past two decades.

Too soon, the Palm Room administrator sent word that the celebration must come to an end because workers were waiting to prepare the room for the next day's events. It felt as if the gathering had just begun and no one was ready to leave. In good CCI tradition, volunteers helped to clear tables, move chairs, all the while continuing to visit with each other. Attendees repeatedly said, "The event should have lasted a full weekend, not just a half day!"

Much of CCI's history is documented in the CCI 20th Anniversary publication, a lovely and powerful chronicle of inspiring programs and photos. It is available by sending a donation of $4 to CCI along with your mailing address.

Photos capturing the celebration are also available. M. Christine Torrington donated her time and resources to help CCI document this historical evening. To view and purchase pictures of the 20th Anniversary celebration taken by Christine, please visit the website www.printroom.com/pro/sfphotopro.